Module 2

Neurons

Neurons

Cells in the nervous system that communicate with one another to preform information-processing tasks.

Soma

Manufactures big and small cell bodies as well as Proteins. Responsible for continuous renewal of cell components

Dendrite

The part of a neuron that receives information [signals] from other neurons and relays it to the cell body.

Axon

The part of a neuron that transmits information to neighboring cells

Myelin Sheath

An insulating layer of fatty material.

Glial cells

Support cells found in the nervous system. Provides scaffolding for efficient neurotransmission

Synapse

The space or region between the axon of one neuron that transfers electric activity

Sensory neurons

Neurons that receive information from the external world and convey this information to the brain via the spinal cord.

Motor neurons

Neurons that carry signals from the spinal cord to the muscles to produce movement.

Interneurons

Neurons that connect sensory neurons, motor neurons, and other interneurons.

Resting potential

The difference in electric charge between the inside and outside of a neuron's cell membrane. Neurons are not stimulated

Action potential

An electric impulse that is conducted along a neuron's axon to a synapse.

Absolute Refractory period

The time following an action potential during which a new action potential cannot be initiated.

Neurotransmitters

Chemicals that transmit information across the synapse enabling transfer of chemical messages

Receptors

Parts of the cell membrane that receive the neurotransmitter and initiate or prevent a new electric signal.

Acetylcholine (ACh)

A neurotransmitter involved in a number of functions, including voluntary motor control. Activates muscle action

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter that regulates motor behavior, motivation, pleasure, and emotional arousal.

Glutamate

A major excitatory neurotransmitter involved in information transmission throughout the brain. Memory

GABA (gamma-aminobutric acid)

The primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. Calming

Serotonin

Well-being and Happiness. Influences sleep and Digestive system

Endorphins

Chemicals that act within the pain pathways and emotion centers of the brain. Euphoria

Agonists

Drugs that increase the action of a neurotransmitter.

Antagonists

Drugs that block the function of a neurotransmitter.

Nervous system

An interacting network of neurons that conveys electrochemical information throughout the body.

Central nervous system

The part of the nervous system that is composed of the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral nervous system

The part of the nervous system that connects the central nervous system to the body's organs and muscles.

Somatic nervous system

A set of nerves that conveys information into and out of the central nervous system. Voluntary movement

Autonomic nervous system

A set of nerves that carries involuntary and automatic commands that control blood vessels, body organs, and glands.

Sympathetic nervous system

A set of nerves that prepares the body for action in threatening situations. Fight or Flight

Parasympathetic nervous system

A set of nerves that helps the body return to a normal resting state.

Spinal reflexes

Simple pathways in the nervous system that rapidly generate muscle contractions.

Hindbrain

An area of the brain that coordinates information coming into and out of the spinal cord.

Medulla

An extension of the spinal cord into the skull that coordinates heart rate, circulation, and respiration.

Reticular Activating System

A brain structure that controls consciousness, response, and movement

Cerebellum

A large structure of the hindbrain that balances and controls fine motor skills.

Pons

A brain structure that conveys information from the cortex to the cerebellum

Cerebral cortex

The outermost layer of the brain, visible to the naked eye and divided into two hemispheres.

Limbic system

A group of forebrain structures including the septum, the amygdala, and the hippocampus, which are involved in motivation, emotion, learning, and memory.

Thalamus

A subcortical structure that relays information from the senses and transmits the information to the cerebral cortex. Gateway from sense organs

Hypothalamus

A subcortical structure that regulates body temperature, hunger, thirst, and sexual behavior. Regulates endocrine system

Pituitary gland

The "master gland" of the body's hormone-producing system, which releases hormones that direct the functions of many other glands in the body.

Hippocampus

A structure critical for creating new memories and integrating them into a network of knowledge so that they can be stored indefinitely in other parts of the cerebral cortex. Memory indexer

Amygdala

A part of the limbic system that plays a central role in many emotional processes, particularly the formation of emotional memories.

Basal ganglia

A set of subcortical structures that directs intentional movements. Brain’s reward circuit

Corpus callosum

A thick band of nerve fibers that connects large areas of the cerebral cortex on each side of the brain and supports communication of information across the hemispheres.

Occipital lobe

A region of the cerebral cortex that interprets visual stimuli and recognition

Parietal lobe

A region of the cerebral cortex whose functions include processing tactile sensory

Temporal lobe

A region of the cerebral cortex responsible for hearing and language.

Frontal lobe

A region of the cerebral cortex that has specialized areas for movement, abstract thinking, planning, memory, and judgement.

Gene

The unit of hereditary transmission.

Chromosomes

Strands of DNA wound around each other in a double-helix configuration.

Neuropeptides

Natural occurring opioids causing Pain reduction and Euphoria; Endorphins

Anandamide

Pain Reduction, Memory, Sleep

Norepinephrine

Neurotransmitter responsible for Brain arousal, mood, hunger, sleep

Nodes of Ranvier

Notches between Myelin Sheats facilitating saltatory conduction of Axon impulses

Synaptic Vessels

Terminal Buttons containing neurotransmitter

Oligodendrocyte

Produces Myelin Sheats

Psychoactive Drugs

Affecting directly production and inhibition if specific neurotransmitters

Endocrine System

Contains hormone secreting glands

Hormones

Molecules influencing emotions and stress

Adrenal Gland

Gland Releases adrenaline and cortisol during arousal

Thyroid Gland

Gland responsible for Metabolism

Sexual Reproductive Gland

Gland that contains Testosterone and Estrogen

Neuroplasticity

Nerve system’s ability to change, adapt, and modify over time