Brain and Behavior Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards generated from the Brain and Behavior lecture notes covering neuroanatomy, neural communication, neurotransmitters, neuroimaging, and brain divisions.

Nervous System

A complex network of cells that transmits information to and from all parts of the body.

Neuroscience

The scientific branch dedicated to studying the structure and function of neurons and nervous tissue.

Biological Psychology

This field focuses on the biological underpinnings of psychological processes and behavior.

Neuron

The fundamental units of the nervous system, responsible for transmitting information.

Dendrites

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

Cell Body (Soma)

Contains the nucleus and keeps the cell functional, organizing its activities.

Cell Membrane

The outer boundary that protects the neuron cell.

Nucleus

Controls the overall functioning of the neuron.

Axon Hillock

The region where an electrical impulse is generated within the neuron.

Axon

A long projection that transmits signals away from the cell body to other cells or organs.

Myelin Sheath

An insulating layer that covers the axon, significantly increasing the speed of signal transmission.

Node of Ranvier

Gaps in the myelin sheath that allow for the diffusion of ions, crucial for impulse propagation.

Schwann Cell

A type of glial cell that produces myelin in the peripheral nervous system.

Axon Terminal

The end of the axon, forming junctions (synapses) with other cells to transmit signals.

Glial Cells

Support cells that anchor neurons, aid development, deliver nutrients, remove dead neurons, communicate, produce myelin, and possess stem cell properties.

Resting Potential

The state when a neuron is at rest, characterized by an unequal distribution of ions across its cell membrane resulting in a negative charge inside relative to the outside.

Action Potential

A rapid change in electrical potential across the membrane that propagates down the axon when voltage-gated sodium channels open and $Na^+$ ions rush in.

All-or-None Principle

The principle stating that a neuron either fires a complete action potential or does not fire at all, with stimulus intensity encoded by frequency rather than amplitude.

Synapse

The junction between two neurons, or between a neuron and an effector cell (like a muscle or gland).

Synaptic Vesicles

Small sacs within the axon terminal that store neurotransmitters.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers released from the axon terminal into the synaptic gap.

Synaptic Gap (Synaptic Cleft)

The small space between the presynaptic neuron sending the signal and the postsynaptic neuron receiving it.

Excitatory Synapses

Synapses where released neurotransmitters increase the likelihood that the postsynaptic neuron will fire an action potential, effectively turning the cell on.

Inhibitory Synapses

Synapses where released neurotransmitters decrease the likelihood that the postsynaptic neuron will fire an action potential, effectively turning the cell off.

Acetylcholine (ACh)

Neurotransmitter controlling muscle contractions, memory, arousal, and attention; low levels are linked to Alzheimer's disease and Myasthenia Gravis.

Serotonin (5-HT)

Neurotransmitter associated with sleep, mood, anxiety, and appetite; low levels are linked to depression, anxiety, and OCD.

Dopamine (DA)

Neurotransmitter involved in reward, pleasure, motivation, and motor control; low levels are linked to Parkinson's disease and depression, while high levels are linked to schizophrenia and addiction.

GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid)

The major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain that calms neural activity and helps reduce anxiety.

Norepinephrine (Noradrenaline)

Neurotransmitter playing a role in concentration, alertness, and the fight-or-flight response; low levels are linked to depression and ADHD.

Glutamate

The primary excitatory neurotransmitter crucial for learning and memory; high levels are associated with excitotoxicity and seizures.

Endorphins

Chemical messengers that act as natural pain relievers and produce feelings of euphoria.

CT (Computed Tomography) Scans

A structural imaging technique using X-rays to create cross-sectional images of the brain to detect structural abnormalities like tumors or strokes.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

A structural imaging technique utilizing magnetic fields and radio waves to generate highly detailed 3D images of brain structures.

DTI (Diffusion Tensor Imaging)

A specialized MRI technique that maps white matter tracts in the brain to show connectivity between regions.

EEG (Electroencephalography)

A functional imaging technique recording electrical activity via scalp electrodes, offering excellent temporal resolution but poorer spatial resolution.

PET (Positron Emission Tomography)

A functional imaging technique that tracks the distribution of a radioactive tracer (often glucose) injected into the bloodstream to reflect metabolic activity.

fMRI (Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

A functional technique measuring brain activity by detecting changes in blood oxygen levels, offering good spatial resolution and reasonable temporal resolution.

NIRS (Near-Infrared Spectroscopy)

A functional technique using infrared light to measure changes in blood oxygenation in the brain non-invasively.

Lesioning Studies

A research method involving intentionally damaging specific brain areas in animal models to observe resulting behavioral deficits and infer function.

ESB (Electrical Stimulation of the Brain)

A technique applying electrical currents to specific brain regions to observe their effects on behavior.

DBS (Deep Brain Stimulation)

A method involving implanting electrodes in specific brain areas to deliver electrical impulses, often used to treat movement disorders like Parkinson's disease.

TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation)

A method using magnetic pulses to temporarily stimulate or inhibit activity in specific brain regions.

tDCS (Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation)

A technique applying weak electrical currents to the scalp to modulate brain activity.

Forebrain

The largest and most complex part of the brain, responsible for higher-level cognitive functions, reasoning, problem-solving, and regulating autonomic, endocrine, and motor functions.

Midbrain

Located between the forebrain and hindbrain, playing a role in regulating movement and processing auditory and visual information.

Hindbrain

Situated at the base of the brain, it controls essential autonomic functions like breathing and heart rate, relays sensory information, coordinates movement, and maintains balance.

Thalamus

A limbic system structure acting as a relay station, directing sensory information (except smell) to appropriate areas of the cerebral cortex.

Amygdala

A limbic system structure crucial for processing fear responses and forming emotional memories.

Hypothalamus

A limbic system structure regulating basic drives like hunger, thirst, body temperature, and controlling the pituitary gland.

Hippocampus

A limbic system structure essential for the formation of new long-term declarative memories.

Medulla Oblongata

A hindbrain structure controlling critical autonomic functions such as breathing, heartbeat, and swallowing, and where sensory nerves cross over.

Pons

A hindbrain structure acting as a bridge connecting the cerebellum to the rest of the brain, influencing sleep, arousal, and coordinating left-right body movements.

Cerebellum

A hindbrain structure primarily responsible for coordinating fine motor movements, maintaining balance, and learning motor skills.