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Definition
| the neural cell; the basic unit of the nervous system. |
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| A biochemical that typically is released into the bloodstream to perform its function at locations distant from the brain, but can also affect the brain functioning itself. |
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| Cells that perform a wide array of functions such as regulating the biochemical environment of the brain, helping sustain neurons, modulating neural transmission, and aiding in the repair of neurons incase of injury. They are also important in early brain development and maturation. |
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Definition
| The primary "receiving" parts of a neuron. |
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Definition
| The part of a neuron that converts oxygen, sugars, and other nutrients into energy. |
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Definition
| The core of the cell body of a neuron or another cell, containing the genes. |
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| Spots on the cell body of a neuron that, like the dendrites, can be stimulated by other neurons. |
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Definition
| The fibrous body of a neuron that carries the neural impulse to the terminal branches |
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Definition
| The parts of a neuron that send messages to other neurons or to muscles or glands. |
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Definition
| A whitish coating of fatty protective tissue that "insulates" the axons of neurons. |
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Definition
| Constrictions of the myelin sheath of an axon that act as booster stations for neural impulses. |
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Definition
| The general rule that a neuron either fires or dosen't. |
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Definition
| The conncecting point where a terminal branch of one neuron is only a microscopic distance from a dendrite or receptor site of another neuron. |
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Definition
| Biochemicals released at neuron synapses that aid or inhibit neural transmissions. |
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Definition
| The thick cable of neurons that mostly connects PNS neurons to the brain. |
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Term
| Central Nervous System (CNS) |
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Definition
| The Brain and the Spinal Cord. |
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Term
| Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) |
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Definition
| The network of neurons outside of the CNS. |
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Definition
| A CNS neuron that carries messages between neurons. |
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Definition
| Among its many other functions, the part of the brain responsible for thinking, remembering, and planning. |
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Definition
| The large brain mass that is covered by the cerebral cortex. |
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Definition
| The power of the brain to reorganize and shift functions. |
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Term
| Computerized tomography (CT) |
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Definition
| A structural brain imaging method that uses x-rays to produce two-dimensional images. |
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Term
| Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) |
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Definition
| A structural brain imaging method that uses the magnetic properties of brain tissue to produce two or three dimensional images. |
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| Positron emission tomography (PET) |
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Definition
| A functional brain imaging method that uses the brain's metabolism of substances containing radioactive isotopes to produce ongoing brain images. |
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| Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) |
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Definition
| A functional brain imaging method that uses the brain's natural metabolism of oxygen to produce ongoing brain images. |
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Definition
| A method of measuring overall brain electrical activity using electrodes placed on the scalp. |
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| Quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG) |
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Definition
| A method of assessing brain activity that uses a large array of electrodes in a skull cap to measure and localize minute electrical reactions of areas of the brain. |
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Definition
| The specialized area of the cerebral cortex responsible for analyzing and interpreting messages from the sense organs. |
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Definition
| The brain's relay station for messages to and from the body. |
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Term
| Reticular activating system (RAS) |
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Definition
| A network of neural cells in the brain stem that serves as a way station for messages from the sense organs. |
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Definition
| The specialized strip on the cerebral cortex that controls body movements |
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Definition
| A brain structure involved in controlling balance and movement. |
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Definition
| The brain structure connecting the two hemispheres of the cerebellum. |
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Definition
| The set of interconnected structures and pathways in the brain involved with emotion and memory. |
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Definition
| The part of the limbic system that plays a role in intense positive or negative emotions. |
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Definition
| The portion of the limbic system that serves as a mediator between the brain and the body and helps control metabolism, sleep, hunger, thirst, body temperature, sexual behavior, and emotions. |
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Definition
| The master endocrine gland, which secretes hormones controlling growth and sexual development at puberty and regulating other endocrine glands. |
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Definition
| A state of equilibrium, or balance, in the physiological systems within the human body. |
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Definition
| The structure in the brain stem the helps regulate breathing, heartbeat, blood pressure, and digestion. |
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Term
| Autonomic nervous system (ANS) |
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Definition
| The neural network connecting the central nervous system with glands and smooth muscles, involved in maintaining homeostasis. |
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Definition
| Glands that discharge hormones directly into the bloodstream, bringing about a variety of physiological and psychological changes. |
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| Parasympathetic division of the ANS |
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Definition
| A part of the nervous system made up of scattered ganglia near the glands or the muscles of organs. It helps maintain functions such as heartbeat and digestion. |
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Term
| Sympathetic Division of the ANS |
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Definition
| Long chains of ganglia that extend down the sides of the spinal cord and activate glands and smooth muscles for "fight" or "flight". |
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Definition
| Diverse areas of the cortex that contribute to self-awaremess and the ability to think about the past and imagine the future. |
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Definition
| The front portions of the brain that play a key role in problem solving and planning. |
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Definition
| The part of the brain that transfers information from short-term memory to long-term memory. |
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Definition
| The structure of the brain that connects the right and left hemispheres of the cerebrum and enables these hemispheres to interact. |
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Definition
| A neurotransmitter involved in motor activity and numerous CNS functions. |
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Term
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Definition
| An abundant neurotransmitter known to play a primary role in learning and memory. |
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Term
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Definition
| A neurotransmitter involved in arousal and depression. |
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Definition
| An abundant neurotransmitter involved in goal-related motor behaviors and various mental and behavioral disorders, including schizophrenia. |
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Term
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Definition
| A neurotransmitter involved in various mental and behavioral disorders, including depression. |
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Term
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Definition
| Essential biochemicals that may function like neurotransmitters or hormones. |
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Term
| Corticotrophin-release factor (CRF) |
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Definition
| A neuropeptide secreted by the hypothalamus. |
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Definition
| The hormone secreted by the adrenal gland during emotional upset or in response to pain. |
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Term
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Definition
| Neuropeptides that serve as natural painkillers. |
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