Neuroplasticity Flashcards
neurotransmitters
produced in the brain and elsewhere in the body; they activate target cells at a short distance (usually less than a micrometre, between neurons); they have a relatively immediate effect on behaviour.
Serotonin
A neurotransmitter that works to regulate mood, appetite, and sleep.
Neurotransmitter
A neurotransmitter is a chemical messenger that carries signals between neurons. Neurotransmitters are released from the terminal buttons at the end of an axon after the action potential has sent an electrical charge down the neuron. The neurotransmitter then crosses the synaptic gap to reach the receptor site on another neuron.
Neural network
a neural circuit, a group of neurons interconnected by synapses to carry out a specific function when activated.
Neural pruning
Usually referred to as synaptic pruning refers to the process by which extra neurons and synaptic connections are eliminated in order to increase the efficiency of neuronal transmissions.
neuroplasticity
the brain’s ability to alter its own structure following changes within the body or in the external environment.
Reuptake
The reabsorption of a neurotransmitter by the terminal buttons of the pre-synaptic neuron after it has performed its function of transmitting a neural impulses
Dopamine
A neurotransmitter that helps control the brain’s reward and pleasure centers. Dopamine also helps regulate emotional responses
Agonist
a chemical or a drug that binds to receptors in the brain and causes a reaction. Agonists can occur naturally in the body as hormones and neurotransmitters (endogenous agonists) or come from exterior sources like drugs and toxins (exogenous agonists).
Acetylcholine
The most common neurotransmitter. Acetylcholine receptor sites are found in the hippocampus. It appears that acetylcholine plays a key role in memory consolidation from STM to LTM
Agonist
