APPSY VC2

Neuron: A cell that sends and receives messages.

Dendrites: Receive signals from other cells.

Axon: Carries messages away from the cell body.

Myelin sheath: Protects axons and speeds up messages.

Action potential: An electrical signal traveling along a neuron.

Threshold: The minimum stimulation to trigger an action potential.Synapse: The gap where neurons. communicate.

Refractory Period: Time after an action potential when the neuron is inactive.

All or None Principle: A neuron fires completely or not at all.

Neurotransmitters: Chemicals transmitting signals between neurons.

Acetylcholine: Important for muscle movement and memory.

Endorphins: Chemicals that reduce pain and induce pleasure.

Nervous system: Network of neurons controlling bodily functions.

Central nervous system: Includes brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral nervous system: Outside of the brain and spinal cord.

Nerves: Bundles of axons carrying messages.

Sensory neurons: Carry information from senses to the brain.

Interneurons: Connect neurons in the brain and spinal cord.

Motor neurons: Send signals from the brain to muscles.

Somatic nervous system: Controls voluntary movements.

Autonomic nervous system: Controls involuntary actions.

Sympathetic nervous system: Prepares body for action.

Parasympathetic nervous system: Calms the body.

Reflex: Automatic response to stimuli.

Neural networks: Interconnected neurons processing information.

Endocrine system: Glands producing hormones for bodily functions.

Hormones: Chemicals affecting body functions.

Adrenal glands: Produce stress response hormones.

Pituitary gland: Regulates other glands and growth.

Lesion: Damage to the brain.

EEG: Measures electrical activity in the brain.

PET scan: Shows brain sugar and oxygen use.

MRI: Creates detailed brain images.

fMRI: Measures brain activity through blood flow.

Brain stem: Controls basic life functions.

Medulla: Manages vital functions.

Reticular formation: Regulates alertness.

Thalamus: Relays sensory information.

Cerebellum: Coordinates movement and balance.

Limbic system: Involved in emotions and memory.

Amygdala: Processes emotions like fear.

Hypothalamus: Regulates temperature, hunger, and thirst.

Cerebral cortex: Responsible for higher brain functions.Glial cells: Support neurons.Frontal lobes: Decision-making and planning.Parietal lobes: Processes sensory info.Occipital lobes: Processes visual info.Temporal lobes: Involved in hearing and memory.Motor cortex: Controls voluntary movement.Sensory cortex: Processes sensory information.Association areas: Integrate information from senses.Aphasia: Communication challenges.Broca’s Area: Aids speech production.Wernicke’s Area: Aids understanding language.Plasticity: Brain's ability to adapt.Corpus callosum: Connects brain hemispheres.Phrenology: Outdated theory linking skull bumps to personality.