Hoofdstuk 2 Flashcards
Cell body
Soma, part of the neuron containing the nucleus and other organelles
Dendrites
Branching structures that carry information from other neurons
Axon
A branching structure that carries information to other neurons and transmits an action potential, each cell only has one axon
Synapse
The small gap between neurons in which neurotransmitters are released, permitting signals between neurons
Action potential
A sudden change in the electrical properties of the neuron membrane in an axon, which forms the basis for how neurons code information
Neurotransmitters
Chemical signals that are released by one neuron and affect the properties of other neurons
Myelin
A fatty substance that is deposited around the axon of some neurons that speeds conduction
Gray matter
Consists primarily on neuronal cell bodies
White matter
Tissue of the nervous system consisting primarily of axons and support cells
Glia
Support cells of the nervous system involved in tissue repair and in the formation of myelin among other functions
The cerebral cortex
Folded sheet of gray matter, outside of the brain
The subcortex
Beneath the bulk of white matter, another collection of gray matter structures, including the basal ganglia, limbic system and the diencephalon
Corpus callosum
A large white matter tract that connects the two hemispheres
Ventricles
The hollow chambers of the brain that contain cerebrospinal fluid
Anterior
Toward the front
Posterior
Toward the back
Superior
Toward the top
Inferior
Toward the bottom
Dorsal
Toward the top
Ventral
Toward the bottom
Lateral
The outer part
Medial
In or toward the middle
gyri
The raised folds of the cortex
Sulci
The buries grooves of the cortex
Brodmann’s areas
Regions of cortex defined by the relative distribution of cell types across cortical layers
Basal ganglia
Regions of subcortical gray matter involved in aspects of motor control, skill learning and reward learning; they consist of structures such as the caudate nucleus, putamen and globus pallidus
Limbic system
A region of subcortex involved in relating the organism to its present and past environment; limbic structures include the amygdala, hippocampus, cingulate cortex and maxillary bodies
Dienchephalon
Thalamus and hypothalamus
Thalamus
A major subcortical relay center; for example the processing station between all sensory organs and the cortex
Hypothalamus
Consists of a variety of nuclei that are specialized for different functions that are primarily concerned with the body and its regulation
Superior colliculi
A midbrain nucleus that forms part of a subcortical sensory pathway involved in programming fast eye movements
Inferior colliculi
A midbrein nucleus that forms part of a subcortical auditory pathway
Cerebellum
Structure attached to the hindbrain; important for dexterity and smooth execution of movement
Pons
Part of the hindbrain; a key link between the cerebellum and the cerebrum, controls body and eye movements
Medulla oblongata
Part of the hindbrain; it regulates vital functions such as breathing, swallowing, heart rate and the wake-sleep cycle
