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GrudgeUnit 3A

Neuron

• A nerve cell; it is the basic unit of structure and function of your nervous system.

Node of Ranvier

• The gaps between the myelin sheath.

PET Scan

• Type of brain study that studies the path of glucose while the brain performs a task.

Cerebellum

• This part of the brain coordinates motor functions and helps maintain balance.

Plasticity

•When one region of the brain is damaged, the brain reorganizes to take over the damaged part’s functions.

Endorphins

• The body’s natural painkillers.

Synapse

• The space between the axon terminal of the sending neuron and the dendrite of the receiving neuron.

Hormones

• These are chemical messengers of the endocrine system that travel to your glands.

Neurogenesis

• Growth of new neurons that takes place throughout life.

Autonomic N. S.

• This system controls the glands and muscles of the internal organs. It controls the body’s automatic functions.

MRI

• Type of brain study that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce computer images.

Reuptake

• Extra neurotransmitters are sent back to the sending neuron in this process.

Broca’s Area

• Part of the frontal lobe, it controls production of speech.

Medulla

• The lowest part of the brainstem. It regulates heart rate, breathing, blood flow, etc.

EEG

• Type of brain study which uses a cap on your head to measure brain waves.

Agonist

• A chemical that mimics a neurotransmitter. Given to patients with diseases that lack certain neurotransmitters.

Alzheimer’s Disease

• This disease is a type of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking, and behavior.

Temporal Lobe

• Lobe of the brain responsible for processing auditory information.

Dopamine

• Neurotransmitter that affects alertness and movement. The lack of it is associated with Parkinson’s disease. Too much is associated with schizophrenia.

Sensory Neurons

• Neurons that sends information from body’s tissues to brain.

Amygdala

• Part of the brain that influences fear and anger.

Adrenal Glands

• These glands sit on top of your kidneys and secretes epinephrine and norepinephrine.

Serotonin

• Neurotransmitter associated with sexual activity, concentration, and emotions. Too little leads to depression.

Dendrites

• These are the branching extensions of a neuron that receives messages.

Antagonist

• A chemical that block a receptor site stopping the effect of a neurotransmitter. Given to patients with too much of a neurotransmitter.

Axon/Axon Terminal

• The extension of a neuron through which messages pass to other neurons.

Ovaries

• Female sex organs necessary for reproduction.

Reticular Formation

• Part of the brainstem that is responsible for controlling arousal.

Motor Neurons

• Neurons that sends information from the brain to the body.

Peripheral N. S.

• This system connects the central nervous system with the rest of the body.

Brainstem

• The oldest part of the brain. Connects the brain with the spinal cord.

Myelin Sheath

• The fatty tissue that insulates the axon and speeds up transmission.

Endocrine System

• This system consists of the glands that secrete hormones in your blood.

Interneurons

• Neurons that communicate between the sensory and motor neurons.

Hippocampus

• Part of the brain that enables formation of new long-term memories.

Neurotransmitters

• Chemical messengers that travel the synaptic gap between neurons of the nervous system.

Sympathetic N. S.

• This system responds to help your body deal with stressful events. It accelerates your heartbeat and activates your sweat glands to make you alert.

Reflex

• This is an automatic response to stimuli.

Hypothalamus

• This part of the brain controls the pituitary gland and is the body’s reward center for pleasure.

Occipital Lobe

• Lobe of the brain responsible for processing visual information.

Nucleus

• This part of the neuron holds all the genetic information of the cell.

Pancreas

• This gland produces insulin and glucagon to regulate blood sugar. Imbalances lead to diabetes and hypoglycemia.

Parkinson’s Disease

• Disease of the central nervous system whose symptoms include shaking, changes in speech, and difficulty walking.

Testes

•Male sex organs necessary for reproduction.

Frontal Lobe

• The lobe of the brain which was damaged by a stamping iron in Phineas Gage.

Central Nervous System

• Consists of the brain and the spinal cord.

Lesion

• The precise destruction of brain tissue.

Action Potential

• If excitatory minus inhibitory signals exceed a minimum threshold, this is triggered.

fMRI

• Type of brain study that compares successive MRI scans to reveal blood flow.

Somatic N. S.

• This system controls the body’s skeletal muscles. Responsible for voluntary movements.

CAT Scan

• Type of brain study which takes a 2D x-ray slice that are passed through various angles.

Pituitary Gland

• This is the most influential gland. It regulates growth and controls all of the other glands.

ACh

• Neurotransmitter that helps regulate heart muscles and memory. A lack of it is associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

Cerebral Cortex

• The outer bark of the brain. It receives and processes sensory information.

Frontal Lobe

• The lobe of the brain responsible for speaking and muscle movements.

Parasympathetic N. S.

• This system calms your body to conserve energy. It slows breathing and heart rate.

Schwann’s Cells

• The cells that create myelin.

Wernicke’s Area

• Found in the temporal lobe, it plays a role in understanding language and making meaningful sentences.

Parietal Lobe

• Lobe of the brain responsible for cognition (thinking).

Aphasia

• Term for impairment of language.

Corpus Callosum

• The wide band of axon fibers that connects the two hemispheres of the brain.

Thalamus

• The relay station for the brain. It receives information and routes it to various parts of the brain.

Cell Body

• This part of the neuron contains the cytoplasm and the nucleus.

Glutamate

• Neurotransmitter involved in information processing and memory formation. Too much = Alzheimers, too little = schizophrenia.