Efferent nerves
Motor information- away from the brain and to the body
Parietal
info perceived through the skin, which then goes to the somatosensory cortex in the parietal lobe
Neural networks
Networks of nerve cells that integrate sensory input and motor output
CNS
Spinal cord- 99% of nerve cells located here Brain
Somatic
sensory nerves, convey info to the brain, and orders motor nerves
Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)
Stops many neurons from firing to increase motor control Inhibitory Ex: valium and anti-anxiety drugs
dendrite
a short extension of a nerve cell where impulses are received from synapses
Occipital lobe
info is perceived through the eyes, which them goes to the visual cortex
cell body
contains the nucleus, needed for growth, keeps cell body alive
Frontal
connects to nervous system (spinal cord) which is how we make movements
neurogenisis
process by which new neurons are generated but only happens in the hippocampus or olfactory bulb
CEO of the brain
frontal cortex
Endorphins
Natural opiates- depress nervous system activity and eliminate pain Elevates feeling of pleasure Runners high
Afferent nerves
Sensory information- to the brain
Oxytocin
Associated with social bonding Love and social bonding hormone Released during orgasm Released in new mothers after birth Associated with positive moods, affectionate touch, and preoccupation with one relationship
Automatic
info from the body's internal organs and monitoring automatic process
PNS
Connects the CNS to other parts of the body. Executes the the commands of the CNS.
axon
carries info away from cell and towards other neurons
Norepinephrine
Stops the firing of neurons in the CNS, but excites the heart muscles, intestine, and urogenital tract (PNS) Inhibitory and excitatory Monitors alertness
destroyed neurons
cannot be restored
Acetylcholine (ACh)
Stimulates the action of muscles, learning, and memories Excitatory Ex: black widow or botox
damaged neurons
can be restored over time
Collateral sprouting
the growth of intact neurons in neighboring damaged neuron areas
substitution of function
damaged brain region is taken over by another region of the brain
Glutamate
Stimulating neurons to help learning and memory Excitatory Most prevalent neurotransmitter- therefore often target for psych disorders
Temporal
info is perceived through ears, which goes to the auditory cortex
thalamus
located at the top of the brain, switch board, processes all senses except smell
Dopamine
Helps with movement, memory, and pleasurable reward and motivation Excitatory Related to extraversion
Seratonin
Regulates sleep, mood, attention, and learning Key to maintaining the brain's neuroplasticity Excitatory Teams with acetylcholine and norepinephrine to regulate sleep and wakefulness