Chapter 3 Flashcards
Neuron
Nerve cell specialized for communication
Dendrite
Portion of neuron that receives signals
Axon
Portion of neuron that sends signals
Synaptic Vesicle
Spherical sac containing neurotransmitters
Neurotransmitter
Chemical messenger specialized for communication from neuron to neuron
Synapse
Space between two connecting neurons through which messages are transmitted chemically
Synaptic Cleft
A gap into which neurotransmitters are released from the axon terminal
Glial Cell
Cell in nervous system that plays a role in the formation of myelin and blood-brain barrier; Responds to injury, removes debris and enhances learning and memory
Myelin Sheath
Glial cells wrapped around axons that act as insulators of the neuron’s signal
Resting Potential
Electrical charge difference across the neuronal membrance, when the neuron isn’t being stimulated or inhibited
Threshold
Membrane potential necessary to trigger action potential
Action potential
Electrical impulse that travels down the axon, triggering the release of neurotransmitters
Absolute Refractory Period
Time during which another action potential is impossible
Graded Potentials
Postsynaptic potentials that can be excitatory in inhibitory
Excitatory Postsynaptic Potentials
Graded potential in a dendrite that is caused by excitatory synaptic transmission
Inhibitory Postsynaptic Potentials
Graded potential in a dendrite that is caused by inhibitory synaptic transmission
Receptor site
Location that uniquely recognizes a neurotransmitter
Reuptake
Means of recycling neurotransmitters
Endorphins
Chemical in brain that plays a specialized role in pain reduction
Plasticity
Ability of the nervous system to change
Neurogenesis
Creation of new neurons in an adult brain
Stem Cell
A cell having the capacity to differentiate into a more specialized cell
Central Nervous System
Part of NS that contains the brain and spinal cord; Controls behaviour
Peripheral Nervous System
Nerves in the body that extend outside the central nervous system
Cerebral Ventricles
Pockets in the brain that contain cerebrospinal fluid
Cerebral Cortex
Responsible for analyzing sensory processing and higher brain functions
Forebrain (Cerebrum)
Forward part of the brain that allows for advanced intellectual abilities
Cerebral Hemispheres
Two halves of the cerebral cortex, each of which serves distinct yet highly integrated functions
Corpus Callosum
Large band of fibres connecting the two cerebral hemispheres
Frontal Lobe
Forward part of cerebral cortex responsible for motor function, language, memory and planning
Motor Cortex
Part of frontal lobe responsible for body movement
Prefrontal Cortex
Part of frontal lobe responsible for thinking, planning, language
Broca’s Area
Language area in the prefrontal cortex that helps to control speech production
Parietal Lobe
Upper middle part of the cerebral cortex that is specialized for touch and perception
Temporal Lobe
Lower part of the cerebral cortex involved in hearing, understanding language, memory
Wernicke’s Area
Part of temporal lobe involved in understanding speech
Occipital Lobe
Part of cerebral cortex specialized for vision
Primary Sensory Cortex
Regions of cerebral cortex that initially process information from the senses
Association Cortex
Regions of cerebral cortex that integrate simpler functions to perform more complex functions
Basal Ganglia
Structures in the forebrain that help to control movement
Limbic System
Emotional centre of brain that also plays role in smell, motivation, memory
Thalamus
Gateway from the sensory organs to the primary sensory cortex