Brain Terms

Question 1

The part of a nerve cell that carries impulses away from the main part of a cell.

Answer 1

Axons

Question 2

Connections in the brain.

Answer 2

Brain Wiring

Question 3

The moment when the sperm and egg unite.

Answer 3

Conception

Question 4

A time frame during which certain features or conditions become important to a situation.

Answer 4

Critical Period

Question 5

Multiple branches at the ends of axons in the nervous system that connect to new targets.

Answer 5

Dendrites

Question 6

Involving or achieved by permanently connected circuits.

Answer 6

Hardwired

Question 7

A specialized cell that is the main functional unit of nerve tissue.

Answer 7

Neurons

Question 8

Bombarding the senses with too much information.

Answer 8

Overstimulation

Question 9

In this instance, the atrophy or dying off of neuron connections that were not reinforced in early brain development.

Answer 9

Pruning

Question 10

The ability to overcome problems and manage life effectively.

Answer 10

Resiliency

Question 11

Information received from one or more of the five senses and processed by the brain.

Answer 11

Stimuli

Question 12

The state of being stimulated or excited.

Answer 12

Stimulation

Question 13

Connections between neurons that allow the flow of electrical impulses.

Answer 13

Synapses

Question 14

A part of the brain (and part of the limbus system) that’s used in emotion.

Answer 14

Amygdala

Question 15

A large bundle of nerve fibres that connect the two cerebral hemispheres.

Answer 15

Corpus Collosum

Question 16

The outer layer of the cerebrum, composed of six cell layers of deeply folded and rigid gray matter.

Answer 16

Cerebral Cortex

Question 17

Largest and most complex part of the brain. Controls thought, learning, etc. Divides into left and right cerebral hemispheres.

Answer 17

Cerebrum

Question 18

A middle area of the brainstem that contains many important nerves (including the origins of the third and fourth cranial nerves which control eye movement and eyelid opening).

Answer 18

Midbrain

Question 19

The lowest sections of the brainstem (at the top-end of the spinal cord); it controls automatic functions, including heartbeat, breathing, swallowing, etc.

Answer 19

Medulla Oblongata

Question 20

Part of brainstem that joins the hemispheres of the cerebellum, and connects the cerebrum with the cerebellum. It’s where the four pairs of cranial nerves originate: the 5th (facial sensation); the 6th (eye movement); the 7th (taste, facial expression); the 8th (hearing and balance).

Answer 20

Pons

Question 21

A gland attached to the base of the brain that secretes hormones.

Answer 21

Pituitary Gland

Question 22

A small structure at the top of the brainstem that serves as a relay centre for sensory info, pain, attention, and alertness.

Answer 22

Thalamus

Question 23

A thick bundle of nerve fibres that run from the base of the brain to the hip area, running through the spine (vertebrae).

Answer 23

Spinal Cord