Chapter 4: The Brain and the Nervous System

sensory neuron

neuron that gathers information from inside and outside the body

-present on sensory organs

interneuron

type of neuron that receives information from sensory neurons and decides what to do

motor neuron

neuron that responds to stimulation from sensory neuron if deemed strong enough

glutamate

neurotransmitter that excites the nervous system; memory and autonomic nervous system reactions

GABA

neurotransmitter that inhibits brain activity; lowers arousal, anxiety, and excitation

-facilitates sleep

acetylcholine

neurotransmitter in charge of movement and attention

dopamine

neurotransmitter in control of movement, reward-seeking behavior, and cognitive and attention

norepinephrine

neurotransmitter in charge of memory, attention to new or important stimuli, and regulation of sleep and mood

serotonin

neurotransmitter in charge of the regulation of sleep, appetite, and mood

agonist drug

drug that enhances / mimics the effect of a neurotransmitters actions

antagonistic drug

drug that inshibits neurotransmitter activity by blocking receptors or preventing synthesis of the neurotransmitter

transcranial magnetic stimulation

using a large magnet to create a large magnetic field around the patient’s head

• used to compare left and right brain function

transcranial direct current stimulation

using a direct current to excite or inhibit certain areas of a patient’s brain

• used to treat stroke victims and individuals with Parkinson’s disease

transcranial alternating current stimulation

applying alternating electrical signals to a specific sections of the brain to change the brain’s naturally occuring wave

medulla

part of the brain located in the brain stem responsible for automatic functions like breathing and heartbeat

pons

part of the brain located in the brain stem that is involved in sleeping, waking, and dreaming

reticular activating system

part of the brain that screens incoming information; responsible for alertness and attention

cerebellum

part of the brain that contributes to balance, muscle coordination, cognitive, and emotional learning

thalamus

part of the brain that directs sensory messages to the appropriate higher centers in the brain