unit 2 flashcards:

1. Neuron: Basic unit of the nervous system that transmits electrical signals.
   
   

2. Afferent neuron: Carries sensory information from the body to the brain.
   
   

3. Efferent neuron: Sends motor commands from the brain to muscles.
   
   

4. Dendrites: Branch-like structures that receive signals from other neurons.
   
   

5. Axon: Long projection that transmits signals to other cells.
   
   

6. Soma: The cell body of the neuron containing the nucleus.
   
   

7. Myelin sheath: Fatty layer that insulates axons and speeds signal transmission.
   
   

8. Nodes of Ranvier: Gaps in the myelin sheath that facilitate rapid signal conduction.
   
   

9. Synapse: The junction between two neurons where information is transmitted.
   
   

10. Synaptic cleft: The gap between neurons at a synapse.
    
    

11. Resting Potential: The electrical charge difference across a neuron’s membrane at rest.
    
    

12. Depolarization: The process of a neuron becoming more positive inside to trigger an action potential.
    
    

13. Action Potential: A rapid electrical impulse that travels down the axon.
    
    

14. Absolute Refractory Period: Time after an action potential when a neuron can't fire again.
    
    

15. Post synaptic potential: Change in membrane potential of the receiving neuron after synaptic transmission.
    
    

16. Neurotransmitters: Chemical messengers that transmit signals across a synapse.
    
    

17. Dopamine: A neurotransmitter involved in reward, motivation, and motor control.
    
    

18. Serotonin: A neurotransmitter that affects mood, appetite, and sleep.
    
    

19. Endorphin: Neurotransmitters that act as natural painkillers and mood enhancers.
    
    

20. GABA: The primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, reducing neuron excitability.
    
    

21. Acetylcholine: Neurotransmitter involved in muscle activation and memory.
    
    

22. Norepinephrine: Neurotransmitter that regulates alertness and stress response.
    
    

23. Neuromodulators: Chemicals that modulate the strength of signal transmission between neurons.
    
    

24. Substance P: Neurotransmitter involved in pain perception.
    
    

25. Agonist: A substance that activates a receptor, mimicking a neurotransmitter's effects.
    
    

26. Antagonist: A substance that blocks a receptor, preventing neurotransmitter activity.
    
    

27. Electroencephalograph (EEG): A tool to measure electrical activity in the brain.
    
    

28. Lesioning: Damaging specific brain areas to study their functions.
    
    

29. Electrical Stimulation of the Brain (ESB): Technique that uses electrical currents to activate brain areas.
    
    

30. Computerized Tomography (CT): Imaging technique using X-rays to create cross-sectional images of the brain.
    
    

31. Positron Emissions Tomography (PET): Imaging technique that shows brain activity by tracking radioactive glucose.
    
    

32. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Technique using magnetic fields to produce detailed brain images.
    
    

33. Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI): Measures brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow.
    
    

34. Central nervous system: Consists of the brain and spinal cord, controls body functions.
    
    

35. Peripheral nervous system: Network of nerves outside the CNS, connects the body to the brain.
    
    

36. Autonomic nervous system: Controls involuntary body functions like heartbeat and digestion.
    
    

37. Somatic nervous system: Controls voluntary movements and transmits sensory information.
    
    

38. Sympathetic nervous system: Part of the autonomic system that triggers "fight or flight" responses.
    
    

39. Parasympathetic nervous system: Restores the body to a calm state after stress.
    
    

40. Cerebrum: The largest part of the brain, responsible for higher functions like thinking and decision-making.
    
    

41. Cerebellum: Controls coordination, balance, and fine motor movements.
    
    

42. Thalamus: Relays sensory information to the appropriate areas of the brain.
    
    

43. Hypothalamus: Regulates hunger, thirst, temperature, and other homeostatic processes.
    
    

44. Reticular formation: A network in the brainstem involved in alertness and sleep-wake cycles.
    
    

45. Medulla: Controls vital functions like breathing and heart rate.
    
    

46. Substantia Nigra: Produces dopamine and is involved in motor control.
    
    

47. Amygdala: Involved in processing emotions like fear and aggression.
    
    

48. Limbic system: Involved in emotion, memory, and motivation.
    
    

49. Hippocampus: Crucial for forming new memories.
    
    

50. Frontal lobe: Responsible for decision-making, planning, and movement.
    
    

51. Parietal lobe: Processes sensory information such as touch and spatial awareness.
    
    

52. Occipital lobe: Processes visual information.
    
    

53. Temporal lobe: Involved in hearing, language, and memory.
    
    

54. Wernicke’s area: Involved in language comprehension.
    
    

55. Broca’s area: Responsible for speech production.
    
    

56. Endocrine system: Glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream.
    
    

57. Pituitary gland: The "master gland" that controls other endocrine glands.
    
    

58. Hormones: Chemical messengers that travel through the bloodstream to regulate body functions.