Introducing the brain

Question 1

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

Answer 1

Neuron

Question 2

Part of the neuron that contains the nucleus and other organelles (soma)

Answer 2

Cell body

Question 3

Branching structures that carry information from other neurons

Answer 3

Dendrites

Question 4

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

Answer 4

Axon

Question 5

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

Answer 5

Synapse

Question 6

A sudden change (depolarization and repolarization) in the electrical properties of the neuron membrane in an atom, which forms the basis for how neurons code information (in the form of the rate and synchrony of action potentials).

Answer 6

Action potentials

Question 7

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

Answer 7

Neurotransmitters

Question 8

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

Answer 8

Grey Matter

Question 9

Tissue of the nervous system containing primarily of axons and support cells

Answer 9

White matter

Question 10

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

Answer 10

Glia

Question 11

A large white matter tract that connects the two hemispheres

Answer 11

Corpus Callosum

Question 12

The hollow chambers of the brain that contain cerebrospinal fluid

Answer 12

Ventricles

Question 13

The raised folds of the cortex

Answer 13

Gyri

Question 14

The buried grooves of the cortex

Answer 14

Sulci

Question 15

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

Answer 15

Brodmannn’s Areas

Question 16

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

Answer 16

Basal ganglia

Question 17

A region of subcortex involved in relating the organism to its present and past environment; limbic structures include the amygdala, hippocampus, cingulate cortex and mamillary bodies

Answer 17

Limbic system

Question 18

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

Answer 18

Thalamus

Question 19

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

Answer 19

Hypothalamus

Question 20

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

Answer 20

Superior colliculi

Question 21

A midbrain nucleus that forms part of a subcortical auditory pathway

Answer 21

Inferior colliculi

Question 22

Structure attached to hindbrain; important for dexterity and smooth execution of movement

Answer 22

Cerebellum

Question 23

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

Answer 23

Pons

Question 24

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

Answer 24

Medulla oblongata