Brain Flashcards
Dendrites
The part of the neuron that receives the neurotransmitter
Neuron
The messenger
Axon
Part of the neuron where information exits
Myelin
Fat that covers the neuron
Refractory period
The period of time after one orgasm where another one is not possible
Synapse
The entire neuron system
Reuptake
Process that retrieves chemicals that were not received by the previous neuron
Endorphins
The body’s natural pain killers
Agonist
A drug or chemical that causes a reaction by connecting to parts of the brain
Antagonist
A chemical or drug that binds to receptors in the brain while preventing an agonist from having a reaction
Somatic Nervous System
Part of the nervous system that controls the voluntary muscle system by connecting the brain and spinal cord
Automatic nervous system
Regulates the involuntary actions of the body, like breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure
Sympathetic Nervous System
Subpart of the ANS that is in charge of calming your body after arousal
Parasympathetic Nervous System
Subpart of the ASN that is in charge of restoring your body’s energy
Hormones
Chemical compounds secreted by the endocrine glands that are important in lots of different bodily functions
CT Scan
The process of making a 2-dimension image 3-dimension using computers
Electroencephalogram
A recording of the electrical waves of activity that occur in the brain
PET scan
Scanning method that allows doctors to study the brain without surgery
MRI
Method used to study the brain without performing surgery
Glial Cells
Cell in the CNS that doesn’t conduct electrical impulses
Motor Cortex
The part of the brain where nerve cells plan the actions of muscles and glands that are under conscious control
Somatosensory Cortex
Part of the brain that processes senses from the skin, muscles, and joints
Association Areas
The areas in the cerebral cortex that are responsible for thought, memory, and learning
Plasticity
The ability for nerve cells to change through new experiences
