Chapter 2 Flashcards
A neurotransmitter involved in learning, memory, and muscle activation.
Acetylcholine (Ach)
Brain region involved in emotions, especially fear and memory.
Amygdala
Long nerve fibers that transmit signals away from the neuron.
Axons
Group of brain structures involved in movement and reward processing.
Basal Ganglia
Brain area responsible for coordination, balance, and fine motor control.
Cerebellum
Branch-like structures that receive signals from other neurons.
Dendrites
Brain region for decision-making, problem-solving, and voluntary movement.
Frontal Lobe
Critical for memory formation and spatial navigation.
Hippocampus
Regulates hunger, thirst, temperature, and other homeostatic functions.
Hypothalamus
Processes visual information.
Occipital Lobe
Integrates sensory information like touch, temperature, and spatial awareness.
Parietal Lobe
Involved in hearing, language processing, and memory.
Temporal Lobe
Relay center for sensory information to the brain.
Thalamus
Neurotransmitter associated with reward, motivation, and movement.
Dopamine
A major excitatory neurotransmitter, critical for learning and memory.
Glutamate (Glu)
A major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain.
GABA
Neurotransmitter involved in alertness and the stress response.
Norepinephrine
Electrical signal that travels along an axon to communicate information.
Action Potential
Process of stabilizing and strengthening a memory.
Consolidation
Updating and restabilizing a memory after retrieval.
Reconsolidation
Strengthening of synaptic connections, key to learning and memory
Long-Term Potentiation (LTP)
Weakening of synaptic connections, important for synaptic plasticity.
Long-Term Depression (LTD)
Strengthening of connections at the synapse shortly after learning.
Synaptic Consolidation
Imaging technique using X-rays to create detailed brain images.
Computer-Assisted Tomography (CT)
In-depth studies of individuals or small groups to understand rare phenomena.
Case Studies
Gradual transfer of memories to long-term storage in different brain areas.
Systems Consolidation
Records brain’s electrical activity using scalp electrodes.
Electroencephalography (EEG)
Measures brain activity by detecting blood flow changes.
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)
Brain responses tied to specific sensory or cognitive events.
Event-Related Potentials (ERP)
Imaging technique using magnetic fields to view brain structures.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Detects magnetic fields from brain activity for high temporal resolution.
Magnetoencephalography (MEG)
Imaging technique that tracks radioactive tracers to study brain function.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
Measures electrical activity from individual neurons.
Single-Cell Recording
Fatty layer that insulates axons to speed up signal transmission.
Myelin Sheath
Gaps in myelin sheath where action potentials are regenerated.
Nodes of Ranvier
Basic building block of the nervous system, transmitting signals.
Neuron
Creation of new neurons in the brain.
Neurogenesis
Chemicals that transmit signals across synapses between neurons.
Neurotransmitters
Brain network active during rest and introspection.
Default Mode Network (DMN)
Groups studied for unique brain or cognitive characteristics (e.g., patients with disorders).
Special Populations
The cell body of a neuron that contains the nucleus.
Soma
Junction between two neurons where signals are transmitted.
Synapse
