PS 101 chapter 3

pituitary gland

The endocrine system's most influential gland. Under the influence of the hypothalamus, the pituitary regulates growth and controls other endocrine glands.

fMRI

a techinque for revealing bloodflow and, therefore, brain activity by comparing successive MRI scans. Show brain functions

PET scan

a visual display of brain activity that detects where a radioactive form of glucose goes while the brain performs a given task positron emission tomography scan

terminal buttons

also called: end buttons, terminal branches of axon, synaptic knob

action potential

an electric signal that is conducted along the length of a neuron's axon to a synapse.https://quizlet.com/92805895/edit#

myelin sheath

an insulating layer of fatty material

axon

carries information to other neurons, muscles, or glands

Motor neurons

carry signals from the spinal cord to the muscles to produce movement

neurons

cells in the nervous system that communicate with one another to perform information-processing tasks

interneurons

connect sensory neurons, motor neurons, or other interneurons.

parasympathetic nervous system

deactivates or shows down activities of muscles and glands (rest-and-digest response); slowing down of heart rates, pupillary constriction

Agonists

drugs which mimic the activity of neurotransmitters

synaptic trasmission

electrical message within the neuron causes the release of a chemical from the terminal button

EEG

electroencephalogram An amplified recording of the waves of electrical activity that sweep across the brain's surface. These waves are measured by electrodes placed on the scalp.

Glutamate

excitatory - enhances transmission between neurons Too much may cause seizures

nucleus

houses chromosomes that contain your DNA, or the genetic blueprint of who you are

antagonists

inhibits, by blocking neurotransmitters

Hind Brain

part of brain involving hearing, balance, and the skin

Phineas Gage

railroad worker who survived a severe brain injury that dramatically changed his personality and behavior; case played a role in the development of the understanding of the localization of brain function

Dendrites

receive information from other neurons and relay it to the cell body

Sensory neurons

receive information from the external world and convey this information to the brain via the spinal cord

parteali lobe

sensory information

glial cells

supportive cells of nervous system that guide growth of new neurons; forms myelin sheath; holds neuron in place; provides nourishment and removes waste

Brain plasticity

the ability of other parts of the brain to take over functions of damaged regions. Declines as hemispheres of the cerebral cortex lateralize.

resting potential

the difference in electric charge between the inside and outside of a neuron's cell membrane

synapse

the junction or region between the axon of one neuron and the dendrites or cell body of another

Peripheral Nervous System

the sensory and motor neurons that connect the central nervous system to the rest of the body

occiptical lobe

visual perception

cell body

(also called the soma), the largest component of the neuron that coordinates the information-processing tasks and keeps the cell alive.

axon hillocks

-functionally which cellular location is the neurons decision making site as to whether or not an action potential will be initiated -Where axon and cell body meet

GABA

Inhibits neurotransmission (anxiety) -too little may cause seizures

MRI

Magnetic resonance imaging A technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce computer-generated images that distinguish among different types of soft tissue; allows us to see structures within the brain

Dopamine

Motivates, rewards, involved with movement, thought, learning (Depression, Parkinson's, Schizophrenia)

demyelinating diseases

Multiple sclerosis is one of several:

Acetylcholine

Muscle contraction, memory, arousal, learning (Alzheimer's disease)

Serotonin

Regulates mood (depression, OCD, sleepiness)

hippocampus

A curved forebrain structure that is part of the limbic system and is involved in learning and forming new memories.

thalamus

A forebrain structure that processes sensory information for all senses, except smell, and relays it to the cerebral cortex. - the brains sensory switchboard

cerebellum

A large structure of the hindbrain that controls fine motor skills.

amygdala

A limbic system structure involved in memory and emotion, particularly fear and aggression.

hypothalamus

A neural structure lying below the thalamus; it directs several maintenance activities (eating, drinking, body temperature), helps govern the endocrine system via the pituitary gland, and is linked to emotion and reward.

basal ganglia

A portion of the forebrain that coordinates muscle movement and routes information from the cortex to the brain and spinal cord.

frontal lobe

A region of the cerebral cortex that has specialized areas for movement, abstract thinking, planning, memory, and judgement

Midbrain

A small part of the brain above the pons that integrates sensory information and relays it upward.

temporal lobe

An area on each hemisphere of the cerebral cortex near the temples that is the primary receiving area for auditory information

Central Nervous System

Brain & Spinal Cord

sympathetic nervous system

Fight or flight

Cerebral Cortex

The intricate fabric of interconnected neural cells covering the cerebral hemispheres; the body's ultimate control and information-processing center.

Forebrain

The largest and most complicated region of the brain, including the thalamus, hypothalamus, limbic system, and cerebrum.