Brain: Ward definitions Flashcards
What is a neuron?
Type of cell that makes up the nervous system and supports cognitive function
What is a cell body?
Part of a neuron containing the nucleus and other organelles
What is a dendrite?
Branching structures that carry information to other neurons
What is an axon?
Structure that transmits an action potential and carries information to other neurons
What is a synapse?
Small gap between neurons in which neurotransmitters are released, permitting signalling between neurons
What is an Action Potential?
Sudden change (depolarisation and repolarisation) in the electrical properties of neuron membrane in the axon
What is a neurotransmitter?
Chemical signals that are released by a neuron and affect the properties of another
What is myelin?
Fatty substance around an axon of some neurons which speeds conduction
What is a gyrus?
Raised folds of the cortex
What is a sulcus?
Buried grooves of the cortex
What is the basal ganglia?
Subcortical region involved in aspects of motor control and skill learning
Parkinson’s disease
What is the limbic system?
Region of the subcortex involved in relating the organism to its environment
Emotion and memory
What is the thalamus?
Major subcortical relay centre; it processes sensory information (except smell) between sense organs and the cortex
What is the hypothalamus?
Consists of a variety of nuclei that are specialised for different functions concerned with the regulation of the body
What is the cerebellum?
Structure attached to the hindbrain; important for dexterity and smooth execution of movement
