Introducing the brain Flashcards
Neuron
A type of cell that makes up the nervous system and supports, among other things, cognitive function
Cell body
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.
Synapse
The small gap between neurons in which neurotransmitters are released, permitting singnaling between neurons.
Action potential
A sudden change (depolarization and repolarization) in the electrical properties of the neuron membrane in an axon, which forms the basis for how neurons code information (in the form of the rate and synchrony if action potentials).
Neurotransmitters
Chemical signals that are released by one neuron and after the properties of other neurons.
Myelin
A fatty substance that is deposited around the axon of some neurons that speeds conduction.
Gray matter
Matter consisting primarily of 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).
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 outerpart (cf. medial).
Medial
In or toward the middle.
Gyri (gyrus = singular)
The raised folds of the cortex.
Sulci (sulcus = singular)
The buried grooves of the cortex.
Brodmann’s areas
Regions of cortex defined by the relative distribution of cell types across cortical layers (cytoarchitecture).
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, cingluate cortex and mamillary bodies.
Thalamus
A major subcortical relay center; for instance, it is a processing station between all sensory organs (except smell) 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 midbrain nucleus that forms part of a subcortical auditory pathway.
Cerebellum
Structure attached to the hindbrain; important for dexterity and smooth excecution of movement.
Pons
Part of the hindbrain; a key link between the cerebellum and the cerebrum.
Medulla oblongata
Part of the hindbrain; it regulates vital functions such as breathing, swallowing, heart rate and the wake-sleep cycle.
