Introducing the brain Flashcards
A type of cell that makes up the nervous system and supports, among other things, cognitive function
Neuron
Part of the neuron that contains the nucleus and other organelles (soma)
Cell body
Branching structures that carry information from other neurons
Dendrites
A branching structure that carries information to other neurons and transmits an action potential
Axon
The small gap between neurons in which neurotransmitters are released, permitting signalling between neurons.
Synapse
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).
Action potentials
Chemical signals that are released by one neuron and affect the properties of other neurons
Neurotransmitters
A fatty substance that is deposited around the axon of some neurons that speeds conduction
Grey Matter
Tissue of the nervous system containing primarily of axons and support cells
White matter
Support cells of the nervous system involved in tissue repair and in the formation of myelin (among other functions)
Glia
A large white matter tract that connects the two hemispheres
Corpus Callosum
The hollow chambers of the brain that contain cerebrospinal fluid
Ventricles
The raised folds of the cortex
Gyri
The buried grooves of the cortex
Sulci
Regions of cortex defined by the relative distribution of cell types across cortical layers (cytoarchitecture)
Brodmannn’s Areas
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
Basal ganglia
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
Limbic system
A major subcortical relay center; for instance, it is a processing station between all sensory organs (except smell) and the cortex
Thalamus
Consists of a variety of nuclei that are specialized for different functions that are primarily concerned with the body and its regulation
Hypothalamus
A midbrain nucleus that forms part of a subcortical sensory pathway involved in programming fast eye movements
Superior colliculi
A midbrain nucleus that forms part of a subcortical auditory pathway
Inferior colliculi
Structure attached to hindbrain; important for dexterity and smooth execution of movement
Cerebellum
Part of the hindbrain; a key link between the cerebellum and the cerebrum
Pons
Part of the hindbrain; it regulates vital functions such as breathing, swallowing, heart rate and the wake-sleep cycle
Medulla oblongata
