Introducing the brain

Question 1

Neuron

Answer 1

A type of cell that makes up the nervous system and supports, among other things, cognitive function

Question 2

Cell body

Answer 2

Part of the neuron containing the nucleus and other organelles.

Question 3

Dendrites

Answer 3

Branching structures that carry information from other neurons.

Question 4

Axon

Answer 4

A branching structure that carries information to other neurons and transmits an action potential.

Question 5

Synapse

Answer 5

The small gap between neurons in which neurotransmitters are released, permitting singnaling between neurons.

Question 6

Action potential

Answer 6

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).

Question 7

Neurotransmitters

Answer 7

Chemical signals that are released by one neuron and after the properties of other neurons.

Question 8

Myelin

Answer 8

A fatty substance that is deposited around the axon of some neurons that speeds conduction.

Question 9

Gray matter

Answer 9

Matter consisting primarily of neuronal cell bodies.

Question 10

White matter

Answer 10

Tissue of the nervous system consisting primarily of axons and support cells.

Question 11

Glia

Answer 11

Support cells of the nervous system involved in tissue repair and in the formation of myelin (among other functions).

Question 12

Corpus callosum

Answer 12

A large white matter tract that connects the two hemispheres.

Question 13

Ventricles

Answer 13

The hollow chambers of the brain that contain cerebrospinal fluid.

Question 14

Anterior

Answer 14

Toward the front.

Question 15

Posterior

Answer 15

Toward the back.

Question 16

Superior

Answer 16

Toward the top.

Question 17

Inferior

Answer 17

Toward the bottom.

Question 18

Dorsal

Answer 18

Toward the top.

Question 19

Ventral

Answer 19

Toward the bottom.

Question 20

Lateral

Answer 20

The outerpart (cf. medial).

Question 21

Medial

Answer 21

In or toward the middle.

Question 22

Gyri (gyrus = singular)

Answer 22

The raised folds of the cortex.

Question 23

Sulci (sulcus = singular)

Answer 23

The buried grooves of the cortex.

Question 24

Brodmann’s areas

Answer 24

Regions of cortex defined by the relative distribution of cell types across cortical layers (cytoarchitecture).

Question 25

Basal ganglia

Answer 25

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.

Question 26

Limbic system

Answer 26

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.

Question 27

Thalamus

Answer 27

A major subcortical relay center; for instance, it is a processing station between all sensory organs (except smell) and the cortex.

Question 28

Hypothalamus

Answer 28

Consists of a variety of nuclei that are specialized for different functions that are primarily concerned with the body and its regulation.

Question 29

Superior colliculi

Answer 29

A midbrain nucleus that forms part of a subcortical sensory pathway involved in programming fast eye movements.

Question 30

Inferior colliculi

Answer 30

A midbrain nucleus that forms part of a subcortical auditory pathway.

Question 31

Cerebellum

Answer 31

Structure attached to the hindbrain; important for dexterity and smooth excecution of movement.

Question 32

Pons

Answer 32

Part of the hindbrain; a key link between the cerebellum and the cerebrum.

Question 33

Medulla oblongata

Answer 33

Part of the hindbrain; it regulates vital functions such as breathing, swallowing, heart rate and the wake-sleep cycle.