Vocab Flashcards
acetylcholine
a critical neurotransmitter that controls functions such as memory, attention, sleep, heart rate, and muscular activity
action potential
an electrical charge that travels along the axon to the neuron’s terminal, where it triggers the release of a neurotransmitter. This occurs when a neuron is activated and temporarily reverses the electrical state of its interior membrane from negative to positive
adenosine
a neurochemical that inhibits wakefulness, serving the purpose of slowing down cellular activity and diminishing arousal. Adenosine levels decrease during sleep
Adrenal cortex
An endocrine organ that secretes steroid hormones for metabolic functions; for example, in response to stress
adrenal medulla
an endocrine organ that secretes epinephrine and norepinephrine in concert with the activation of the sympathetic nervous system; for example, in response to stress
Agonist
1.) A neurotransmitter, drug, or other molecule that stimulates receptors to produce a desired reaction 2.) A muscle that moves a joint in an intended direction
Alzheimer’s Disease
A major cause of demntia in the elderly, this neurodegenerative disorder is characterized by the death of neurons in the hippocampus, cerebral cortex, and other brain regons. The earliest symptoms of the disease include forgetfulness; disorientation as to time or place; and difficulty with concentration, calculation, languae, and judgement. In the final stages, individuals are incapable of self-care and may be bedridden
Amino Acid Transmitters
The most prevalent neurotransmitters in the brain, these include glutamate and aspartate, which have excitatory actions on nerve cells, and glycine and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which have inhibitory actions on nerve cells
Amygdala
A structure in the forebrain that is important component of the limbic system and plays a central role in emotional learning, particularly within the context of fear
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, ALS causes motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord to disintegrate, resulting in loss of control of voluntary muscle movements such as walking
Androgens
sex steroid hormones, including testosterone, found in higher levels in males than females. They are responsible for male sexual maturation.
Aphasia
Disturbance in language comprehension or production, often as a result of a stroke.
Antagonist
1.) A drug or other molecule that blocks receptors. Antagonists inhibit the effects of agonists. 2.) A muscle that moves a joint in opposition to an intended direction
Apoptosis
Programmed cell death induced by specialized biochemical pathways, often serving a specific purpose in the development of an animal
Auditory Nerve
A bundle of nerve fibers extending from the cochlea of the ear to the brain that contains two branches: the cochlear nerve, which transmits sound information, and the vestibular nerve, which relays information related to balance
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
A condition characterized by excessively inattentive, hyperactive, or impulsive behaviors
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
A condition characterized by impaired social skills; verbal and nonverbal communication difficulties; and narrow, obsessive interests or repetitive behaviors
Autonomic Nervous System
A part of the peripheral nervous system responsible for regulating the activity of internal organs. It includes the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
Axon
The fiberlike extension of a neuron by which it sends information to target cells
Basal Ganglia
Structures located deep in the brain that play an important role in the initiation of movements. These clusters of neurons include the caudate nucleus, putamen, globus pallidus, and substantia nigra. Cell death in the substantia nigra contributes to Parkinson’s disease
Bipolar Disorder
Previously known as manic-depressive illness, this disorder is characterized by episodes of deep depression and manic highs. The depressive episodes are similar to those experienced by people with depression. Symptoms of mania include increased energy, decreased need for sleep, a marked interest in goal-directed activities, and poor judgement
Brainstem
The major route by which the forebrain sends information to and receives information from the spinal cord and peripheral nerves. The brainstem controls, among other things, respiration and the regulation of heart rhythms.
Broca’s Area
The brain region located in the frontal lobe of the left hemisphere that is important for the production of speech
Catecholamines
The neurotransmitters dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine, which are active in both the brain and the peripheral sympathetic nervous system. These three molecules have certain structural similarities and are part of a larger class of neurotransmitters known as monoamines.
Cell Body
The part of a neuron that contains the nucleus (with DNA) and the organelles, but not the projections such as the axon or dendrites
Cerebrum
The largest part of the human brain associated with higher order functioning, such as thinking, perceiving, planning, and understanding language, as well as the control of voluntary behavior
Cerebellum
A large structure located at the roof of i the hindbrain that helps control the coordination of movement by making connections to the pons, medulla, spinal cord, and thalamus. It also may be involved in aspects of motor learning.
Cerebral Cortex
A sheet of tissue covering the outermost layer of the cerebrum.
Cerebrospinal Fluid
A liquid found within the ventricles of the brain and the central canal of the spinal cord
Circadian Rhythm
A cycle of behavior or physiological change lasting approximately 24 hours
Cochlea
A snail-shaped, fluid-filled organ of the inner ear responsible for converting sound into electrical potentials to produce an auditory sensation
Cognition
The process or processes by which an organism gains knowledge or becomes aware of events or objects in its environment and uses that knowledge for comprehension and problem-solving
Cone
A primary receptor cell for vision located in the retina. It is sensitive to color and is used primarily for daytime vision.
Corpus Callosum
The large bundle of nerve fibers linking the left and right cerebral hemispheres
Cortisol
A hormone manufactured by the adrenal cortex. In humans, cortisol is secreted in the greatest quantities before dawn, readying the body for activities of the coming day
Cranial Nerve
A nerve that carries sensory and motor output for the head and neck region. There are 12 cranial nerves
Declarative Memory
The ability to learn and consciously remember everyday facts and events
Depression
A psychiatric disorder characterized by sadness, hopelessness, pessimism, loss of interest in life, reduced emotional wellbeing, and abnoralities in sleep, appetite, and energy level
Dendrite
A treelike extension of the neuron cell body. The dendrite is the primary site for receiving and integrating information from other neurons
Dopamine
A catecholamine neurotransmitter present in three circuits of the brain: one that regulates movement; a second thought to be important for cognition and emotion; and a third that regulates the endocrine system. Deficits of dopamine in the motor circuit are associated with Parkinson’s disease. Abnormalities in the second circuit have been implicated in schizophrenia
Down Syndrome
A condition that typically occurs when, at the time of conception, an extra copy of chromosome 21 is present in the egg. This genetic anomaly is associated with physical and developmental characteristics, including mild to moderate intellectual disabilities; low muscle tone; and an increased risk of congenital heart defects, respiratory problems, and digestive tract obstruction
