Psychology Lecture: Brain Structure, Neurons, and Neurotransmitters

Vocabulary flashcards covering chapters on neuronal structure, neurotransmission, nervous system divisions, and major brain anatomy based on lecture notes.

Neuron

A specialized nerve cell or brain cell that communicates through electrochemical processes and consists of a soma, axon, and dendrites.

Soma

The part of a neuron that contains the cell body, keeps the cell alive, and decides when to fire.

Dendrites

Branch-like structures of a neuron that receive messages from other neurons.

Axon

A cable-like or wire-like structure of a neuron that carries information throughout the body.

Neural Impulse

The electrochemical process by which neurons communicate, traveling at speeds up to $200\,\text{mph}$.

Stimulants

Substances that speed up nervous system activity.

Depressants

Substances that slow down nervous system activity.

Synapse

Microscopic spaces between neurons where communication occurs through brain chemicals.

Neurotransmitters

Brain chemicals used in synaptic communication that are either excitatory (speeding things up and telling a neuron to fire) or inhibitory (telling a neuron to slow down or stop).

Acetylcholine

An excitatory or inhibitory neurotransmitter involved in long-term memory formation and muscle contraction control.

Hippocampus

A portion of the subcortex involved in forming long-term memories.

Memory Trace (Engram)

A trace created in the brain whenever a memory is formed, which stays sharp as long as it is revisited.

Serotonin

A neurotransmitter that regulates mood; high levels elevate mood and happiness, while low levels cause sadness.

SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor)

A medication that targets serotonin at a specific location to block reuptake and keep it active in the synapse.

Reuptake Inhibitor

A compound that prevents the brain from recycling and reusing specific neurotransmitters, keeping them present in the synapse.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter involved in movement control and sensations of pleasure and happiness.

Anhedonia

The state in which a person loses the ability to experience pleasure or feel happy, which can occur after cocaine depletes the body's dopamine reserves.

Endorphins

Pain-relieving neurotransmitters produced naturally by the body's internal pharmacy to mask pain signals.

Sympathetic Nervous System

The division of the autonomic nervous system enacted during a crisis or physical threat, which inhibits bladder function, decreases digestion, and triggers fight, flight, or freeze responses.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

The division of the autonomic nervous system that slows down bodily functions and resumes normal operations (such as salivary gland activity) after a threat passes.

Diaphragmatic Breathing

A deep belly breathing technique that expands the lungs and diaphragm to slow the heart rate and reduce muscular tension.

Brain Stem

The foundational part of the brain responsible for all life-sustaining functions and regulation of the autonomic nervous system.

Elasticity

The brain's flexibility to reassign functions from an injured region to another part of the brain, which is highest in young children.

Cerebellum

A brain structure located at the base and back of the brain that operates as one of its core processing systems.

Cerebral Cortex

The outer covering of the brain consisting of left and right hemispheres and four major lobes.

Frontal Lobe

The largest lobe of the cerebral cortex, located at the front, responsible for personality, logic, reason, and decision-making.

Parietal Lobe

The lobe located at the top of the cerebral cortex.

Occipital Lobe

The lobe of the cerebral cortex responsible for seeing and processing visual memories.

Temporal Lobe

The lobe of the cerebral cortex located above the ears, responsible for hearing and language.