neuro

Neuron

The primary cell type of the nervous system responsible for transmitting information.

Glial Cells

Non-neuronal cells in the nervous system that provide support and services for neurons.

Peripheral Nervous System

Part of the nervous system not encased in bone; includes all nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.

Central Nervous System

Portions of the nervous system encased in bone, including the brain and spinal cord.

Dendrites

Processes extending from a neuron that receive information from other neurons.

Axon

Long, slender projection of a neuron that transmits information to other cells.

Afferent Neurons

Neurons that carry sensory information toward the central nervous system.

Efferent Neurons

Neurons that carry commands away from the central nervous system to muscles and glands.

Gray Matter

Region of the nervous system consisting primarily of neuron cell bodies.

White Matter

Region of the nervous system composed of myelinated axons.

Cerebellum

Part of the brain responsible for coordinating movements.

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

Fluid that circulates within the ventricles of the brain, providing cushioning and nourishment.

Neuroplasticity

The ability of neurons to change their function, chemical profile, and structure.

Long-term Potentiation (LTP)

A long-lasting increase in synaptic strength following high-frequency stimulation.

Long-term Depression (LTD)

A long-lasting decrease in synaptic strength following low-frequency stimulation.

Cortical Maps

Representation of body parts in the cerebral cortex.

Thalamus

A brain structure that relays sensory information to the cerebral cortex.

Hippocampus

A brain structure involved in memory formation.

Basal Ganglia

A group of nuclei in the brain associated with motor control.

Vagus Nerve

Cranial nerve that innervates the thoracic and abdominal viscera.

Reflex Arc

The neural pathway that mediates a reflex action.

Synaptic Cleft

The space between the presynaptic terminal and the postsynaptic terminal.

Neurotransmitters

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

Action Potential

A large depolarizing signal that is propagated along an axon.

Myelination

The process of forming a myelin sheath around the nerves to increase transmission speed.

Chemical Synapse

A synapse where neurotransmitters are released to communicate between neurons.

Gap Junctions

Specialized connections that allow direct electrical communication between neurons.

Cranial Nerves

Twelve pairs of nerves that emerge from the brain.

Peduncles

Large bundles of fibers connecting different parts of the brain.

Cortex

The outer layer of the brain where higher brain functions occur.

Neuron

The primary cell type of the nervous system responsible for transmitting information.

Glial Cells

Non-neuronal cells in the nervous system that provide support and services for neurons.

Peripheral Nervous System

Part of the nervous system not encased in bone; includes all nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.

Central Nervous System

Portions of the nervous system encased in bone, including the brain and spinal cord.

Dendrites

Processes extending from a neuron that receive information from other neurons.

Axon

Long, slender projection of a neuron that transmits information to other cells.

Afferent Neurons

Neurons that carry sensory information toward the central nervous system.

Efferent Neurons

Neurons that carry commands away from the central nervous system to muscles and glands.

Gray Matter

Region of the nervous system consisting primarily of neuron cell bodies.

White Matter

Region of the nervous system composed of myelinated axons.

Cerebellum

Part of the brain responsible for coordinating movements.

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

Fluid that circulates within the ventricles of the brain, providing cushioning and nourishment.

Neuroplasticity

The ability of neurons to change their function, chemical profile, and structure.

Long-term Potentiation (LTP)

A long-lasting increase in synaptic strength following high-frequency stimulation.

Long-term Depression (LTD)

A long-lasting decrease in synaptic strength following low-frequency stimulation.

Cortical Maps

Representation of body parts in the cerebral cortex.

Thalamus

A brain structure that relays sensory information to the cerebral cortex.

Hippocampus

A brain structure involved in memory formation.

Basal Ganglia

A group of nuclei in the brain associated with motor control.

Vagus Nerve

Cranial nerve that innervates the thoracic and abdominal viscera.

Reflex Arc

The neural pathway that mediates a reflex action.

Synaptic Cleft

The space between the presynaptic terminal and the postsynaptic terminal.

Neurotransmitters

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

Action Potential

A large depolarizing signal that is propagated along an axon.

Myelination

The process of forming a myelin sheath around the nerves to increase transmission speed.

Chemical Synapse

A synapse where neurotransmitters are released to communicate between neurons.

Gap Junctions

Specialized connections that allow direct electrical communication between neurons.

Cranial Nerves

Twelve pairs of nerves that emerge from the brain.

Peduncles

Large bundles of fibers connecting different parts of the brain.

Cortex

The outer layer of the brain where higher brain functions occur.