Definitions Flashcards
Teleological approach
the study of functions or the “why” things work in a particular way, with an eye to the adaptive significance of a particular organismic process
emergent properties
Emergent properties are something that cannot be predicted to exist by knowing system’s parts and result from nonlinear interactions of system’s parts (e.g. intelligence, emotions, etc.). ; characteristics gained when an organism becomes part of a bigger system; the human body has emergent properties that cannot be predicted to exist by knowing system’s parts resulting from nonlinear interactions of system’s parts (e.g. intelligence, emotions, etc.)
Translational research
the application of integrated mechanisms and functions; the application of basic biomedical research to life issues (e.g. insights from drug suppression food intake in rodents was later translated in the treatment of diabetes) ; involves moving knowledge and discovery gained from the basic sciences to its application in clinical and community settings -or the application of basic biomedical research to life issues (e.g. insights from drug suppression food intake in rodents was later translated in the treatment of diabetes).
integrative physiology
a particular focus of physiology that is the study of integration of functions across multiple levels of organization; levels of organization vary from the molecular level to ecosystems and biosphere, from atoms to the way inhabitants of specific species cohabit ecosystems and the biosphere; it requires the development and use of a conceptual framework (the “getting of the big picture”). It is devoted to encompassing the broader aspects of physiology that involve the integration of mechanisms and regulatory functions at all biological levels
Neuroplasticity
The ability of the brain to form and reorganize synaptic connections, especially in response to learning or experience or following injury; one of the most important consequences of body-environment interactions; One of the most important consequences of body-environment interactions. The ability of the brain to form and reorganize synaptic connections, especially in response to learning or experiences or following injury. The ability of neuronal pathways to grow/adapt/reorganize
epigenetics
the interaction of genes with their environment that brings their phenotype into being; genes are not the blueprints of heredity and evolution, they are templates to be used by systemsl How genetic material is activated or deactivated - that is, expressed - in different contexts and situations
Homeostasis
the body’s ability to maintain relatively stable internal conditions, in spite of continuously changing external environments; not an unchanging state nor equilibrium, but a dynamic steady state; a relatively stable disequilibrium
transverse plane
Imaginary plane that divides the body into superior and inferior parts
Phenotypic polymorphism
Variation from alternate forms of distinct phenotypes. Can be influenced by genes and environment
Phenotypic polymorphism is a consequence of developmental plasticity, in which the trajectories of developing organisms diverge under the influence of cues. Environmental and genetic phenotype determination are the two main categories of polymorphic development. ; A consequence of developmental plasticity. The trajectories of developing organisms diverge under the influence of cues from genes and environment. Caused by gene ‘mutations’ or variants. ; genetic mutation - refers to the presence in the same population of two or more alternative forms of a distinct phenotype such as flower color. These can occur in any morphological, behavioral, or physiological trait, and in any coding or noncoding segment of DNA (nucleus, mitochondria, or chloroplast).
universality of cellular functioning
Cells vary in shape, size, and function but they have the same basic parts: nucleus, cytoplasm and membrane.
Microglia
Smallest of the glial cells. They act as phagocytes, engulfing and breaking down dead and dying neurons. They protect the brain from invading microorganisms. They are primarily responsible for the inflammatory reaction in response to brain damage.
enzymatic degradation
the breakdown of chemicals by enzymes; one of the two mechanisms for deactivating released neurotransmitters; can happen before or after reuptake
Mitochondria
an organelle in which the biochemical processes of respiration and energy production occur - powerhouse of the cell ; cell organelle that generates most of the chemical energy needed to power the cell’s biochemical reactions. Chemical energy produced by the mitochondria is stored in a small molecule called adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
hydrophobic
afraid of water; lipid bilayer of cells are composed of hydrophobic tails and hydrophilic heads. Hydrophobic cell membranes prevent water molecules from entering or exiting cells. As seen in the blood brain barrier and cell membranes
Oligodendrocytes
the glial cells that make up the myelin sheath inside the brain; glial cells that myelinate axons of the central nervous system (CNS)
reuptake
the drawing back into the terminal button of neurotransmitter molecules after their release into the synapse; the most common mechanism for deactivating a released neurotransmitter; The cell utilizes special transporter molecules to bring back the neurotransmitters from the synaptic cleft back into the cytoplasm.
Autoreceptors
presynaptic receptors; quality control, like policing receptors; can help activate homeostatic processes to maintain balance in the synapse; a type of metabotropic receptor located on the presynaptic membrane that bind to their neuron’s own neurotransmitters; Regulates internal processes, including the synthesis and release of the NT - send a negative feedback loop to modulate the presynaptic neuron’s release of NTs
radial glia
Progenitor glial cells that aid in neuronal development. They exit in the neuronal tube during neural migration and form network along which radial migration occurs
Neurons created in early cerebral development that help guide the migration of newly formed neurons from the ventricular zone to their final resting place in the cerebral cortex by allowing neurons to attach to the cells as they stretch radially with the neural wall in its development
migratory cells that climb the axon and then resume the structure of an astrocyte; glial cells that exist in the neural tube during the period of neural migration and that form a network along which radial migration occurs; some radial glial cells are stem cells
Synaptic vesicles
Small, rounded vessels that contain molecules of the NT which they release from the terminal button via exocytosis in response to an action potential
irritability
response to stimuli; one of the two important functional characteristics of neurons; neural conduction is the response to a stimulus by converting it into a nerve impulse
; The ability of a neuron to respond to stimuli by converting it into a nerve impulse (neural conduction)
Choroid plexi
specialized regions attached to the walls of the ventricles; their tissue is quite similar to kidney tissue, with capillaries and transporting epithelium–glial lining of the ventricles; the networks of capillaries that protrude into the ventricles from the pia mater and produce CSF; The highly vascular tissue that protrudes into the ventricles and produces cerebrospinal fluid. The production is a continuous process. This tissue is quite similar to kidney tissue, with capillaries and transporting epithelium
cerebellum
a mesencephalic structure that participates in the storage of memories of learned sensorimotor skills, and is involved with muscle tonus, posture, and coordination; The cerebellum sits dorsally to the pons, a highly neuron-dense part of the brain, with four times more neurons than the cortex, with a surface with multiple narrow folds (folia); involved with muscle tonus, equilibrium and posture, motor learning and coordination, coordination of many mental processes, skilled motor activity, and sleep-wake cycle; receives input from the vestibular system, sensory-perceptual zones. It is involved in multiple processes - but not initiating
Cerebrospinal fluid
salty, very similar constitution to blood plasma without red blood cells and very little protein; secreted by choroid plexi; flows from the ventricles into the subarachnoid space surrounding the entire brain and spinal cord; provides the CNS with both physical–padding and buoyancy–and chemical–regulated extracellular liquid environment–protection; the lateral ventricles generate most of the CSF
Blood-Brain-Barrier
barrier that limits the passage of substances from the bloodstream to neurons and protects the brain from toxins and unwanted substances; composed of tight epithelial cells of the blood capillaries and a layer of glial cells; The blood-brain-barrier protects the CNS, selectively permitting only some substances to enter - protecting the neurons from unwanted toxins and blood substances. Helps regulate the composition of fluids in the brain, protecting neuronal transmission. It is composed of tight cells (epithelial) of the blood capillaries and a layer of glial cells (astrocytes). The BBB is more permeable in the area postrema, pineal gland, and posterior pituitary gland. Medications have to be lipid permeable to cross the barrier.
