Neuroscience and Psychology: Brain Functions, Neurotransmitters, and Imaging Techniques

Acetylcholine

Stimulates the firing of neurons and is involved in the action of muscles, memory, learning.

GABA

Keeps neurons from firing.

Glutamate

Excites many neurons, involved in learning and memory.

Norepinephrine

Inhibits firing of neurons in the Central nervous system but excites heart muscles and intestines.

Dopamine

Controls voluntary movement and affects sleep, mood, attention (the motivator).

Serotonin

Involved in regulation of sleep, mood, attention (the stabilizer).

Endorphins

Natural opiates that stimulate firing of neurons.

Oxytocin

Involved in love and social bonding.

Endocrine System

Consists of glands that regulate the activities of certain organs by releasing their chemical products into the bloodstream.

Plasticity

Brain's ability to rewire/adapt.

Collateral Sprouting

Axons of some healthy neurons near damaged ones grow new branches.

Neurogenesis

Process by which new neurons can generate.

Substitution of Function

Damaged regions' function is taken over by another region.

Lesioning

Destroying tissue.

Electrical Recording

Records brain waves.

Imaging

Includes X-rays, CT scans, PET scans.

PET Scan

Measures the amount of glucose in various areas of the brain and sends information to a computer for analysis.