week two

Cognitive Decline

A decline in cognitive function often associated with normal aging.

Cerebral Atrophy

Loss of neurons and connections in the brain leading to volume loss.

Neurodegeneration

The progressive loss of structure or function of neurons.

Neurotransmitter Systems

Chemical systems in the brain altering signaling and affecting cognitive function.

Acetylcholine

A neurotransmitter involved in memory and cognitive function; its decline is linked to dementia.

Neuroplasticity

The brain's ability to adapt and reorganize itself by forming new connections.

Lateralization

Specialization of function in each hemisphere of the brain.

Corpus Callosum

A band of neural fibers connecting the left and right hemispheres of the brain.

Amygdala

A brain region involved in emotion regulation and memory formation.

Hippocampus

Brain structure essential for learning and memory.

Thalamus

The brain's sensory relay station, routing signals to the appropriate areas.

Mitochondrial Dysfunction

Changes in mitochondrial health affecting energy production in cells.

Age-related Changes

Biochemical and structural modifications occurring in the brain as one ages.

Oxidative Stress

Damage to cells caused by reactive oxygen species.

Ventricular Enlargement

Increase in the size of brain ventricles due to atrophy.

Calcium Homeostasis Dysregulation

Impaired regulation of calcium ions affecting neuronal function.

Prefrontal Cortex

The area of the brain responsible for higher cognitive functions.

Synaptic Density

The number of synapses in a given area, which decreases with aging.

Action Potential

The electrical signal that travels down a neuron's axon.

Dendritic Spines

Small protrusions on dendrites that increase synaptic connections.

Excitatory Postsynaptic Potential (EPSP)

A postsynaptic potential that makes a neuron more likely to fire.

Inhibitory Postsynaptic Potential (IPSP)

A postsynaptic potential that makes a neuron less likely to fire.

Neuromuscular Junction

The synapse between a neuron and a muscle fiber.

Pituitary Gland

The master gland regulating other glands in the endocrine system.

Endocrine System

A system of glands that secrete hormones regulating various body functions.

Neurotransmitter

Chemicals that transmit signals across a synapse from one neuron to another.

Reflex Action

An automatic response to a stimulus that doesn't involve the brain.

Neuroscience

The scientific study of the nervous system.

Cerebral Cortex

The outer layer of the brain involved in complex functions.

Somatosensory Cortex

Brain area responsible for processing sensory information from the body.

Frontal Lobe

A brain region involved in reasoning, motor control, and emotion.

Temporal Lobe

A lobe associated with hearing, memory, and language.

Occipital Lobe

The cerebral lobe responsible for visual processing.

Parietal Lobe

The region involved in processing touch and proprioception.

Myelin Sheath

A fatty layer that insulates axons, increasing signal transmission speed.

Neural Networks

Groups of interconnected neurons that operate together during processing.

Glia

Support cells in the nervous system that assist neurons.

Neuron

The basic functional unit of the nervous system that transmits signals.

Neurotransmitter Release

The process by which neurotransmitters are expelled from vesicles into the synaptic cleft.

Endocrine Gland

A gland that secretes hormones into the bloodstream.

Hormone

A chemical messenger that regulates various physiological processes.

Oligodendrocytes

Glial cells that produce myelin in the central nervous system.

Lipid Membrane

The barrier that surrounds cells, regulating ion flow.

Signal Transduction

The process by which a cell converts one kind of signal into another.

Neuropeptide

Small protein-like molecules used by neurons to communicate.

Sensory Nerve

Nerves that carry sensory information from the body to the brain.

Motor Nerve

Nerves that transmit signals from the brain to muscles.

Cognitive Function

Mental processes that involve acquiring knowledge and understanding.

Oxytocin

A hormone linked to emotional bonding and context such as love and trust.

Adrenal Glands

Glands that secrete hormones involved in stress response.

Organelles

Specialized structures within cells that perform specific functions.

Chronic Inflammation

Long-term inflammation that can contribute to chronic diseases.