Neurotransmitters

Question 0

Action Potential

Answer 0

An electrical charge that travels along the axon to the neuron’s terminal, where it triggers the release of a neurotransmitter. This occurs when a neuron is activated and temporarily reverses the electrical state of its interior membrane from negative to positive

Question 1

Acetylcholine

Answer 1

A critical neurotransmitter that controls functions such as memory, attention, sleep, heart rate, and muscular activity.

Question 2

Adenosine

Answer 2

A neurochemical that inhibits wakefulness, serving the purpose of slowing down cellular activity and diminishing arousal. Adenosine levels decrease during sleep.

Question 3

Adrenal Cortex

Answer 3

An endocrine organ that secretes steroid hormones for metabolic functions; for example, in response to stress.

Question 4

Adrenal Medulla

Answer 4

An endocrine organ that secretes epinephrine and norepinephrine in concert with the activation of the sympathetic nervous system; for example, in response

Question 5

Agonist

Answer 5

1.) A neurotransmitter, drug, or other molecule that stimulates receptors to produce a desired reaction. 2.) A muscle that moves a joint in an intended direction

Question 6

Alzheimer’s Disease

Answer 6

A major cause of dementia in the elderly, this neurodegenerative disorder is characterized by the death
of neurons in the hippocampus, cerebral cortex, and other
brain regions. The earliest symptoms of the disease include forgetfulness; disorientation as to time or place; and difficulty with concentration, calculation, language, and judgment. In the final stages, individuals are incapable of self-care and may be bedridden.

Question 7

Amino Acid Transmitters

Answer 7

The most prevalent neurotransmitters in the brain, these include glutamate and aspartate, which
have excitatory actions on nerve cells, and glycine and gamma- aminobutyric acid (GABA), which have inhibitory actions on nerve cells.

Question 8

Amygdala

Answer 8

A structure in the forebrain that is an important component of the limbic system and plays a central role in emotional learning, particularly within the context of fear.

Question 9

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

Answer 9

Commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, ALS causes motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord to disintegrate, resulting in loss of control of voluntary muscle movements such as walking.

Question 10

Androgens

Answer 10

Sex steroid hormones, including testosterone, found in higher levels in males than females. They are responsible for male sexual maturation.

Question 11

Androgen

Answer 11

1.) A drug or other molecule that blocks receptors. Antagonists inhibit the effects of agonists. 2.) A muscle that moves a joint in opposition to an intended direction

Question 12

Aphasia

Answer 12

Disturbance in language comprehension or production, often as a result of a stroke

Question 13

Apoptosis

Answer 13

Programmed cell death induced by specialized biochemical pathways, often serving a specific purpose in the development of an animal

Question 14

Auditory Nerve

Answer 14

A bundle of nerve fibers extending from the cochlea of the ear to the brain that contains two branches: the cochlear nerve, which transmits sound information, and the vestibular nerve, which relays information related to balance

Question 15

Autonomic Nervous System

Answer 15

A part of the peripheral nervous system responsible for regulating the activity of internal organs. It includes the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems

Question 16

Attention Deficit hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Answer 16

A condition characterized by excessively inattentive, hyperactive, or impulsive behaviors.

Question 17

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

Answer 17

A condition characterized
by impaired social skills; verbal and nonverbal communication difficulties; and narrow, obsessive interests or repetitive behaviours

Question 18

Axon

Answer 18

The fiberlike extension of a neuron by which it sends information to target cells.

Question 19

Basal Ganglia

Answer 19

Structures located deep in the brain that play an important role in the initiation of movements. These clusters of neurons include the caudate nucleus, putamen, globus pallidus, and substantia nigra. Cell death in the substantia nigra contributes to Parkinson’s disease.

Question 20

Bipolar Disorder

Answer 20

Previously known as manic-depressive illness, this disorder is characterized by episodes of deep depression and manic highs. The depressive episodes are similar to those experienced
by people with depression. Symptoms of mania include increased energy, decreased need for sleep, a marked interest in goal-directed activities, and poor judgment.

Question 21

Brainstem

Answer 21

The major route by which the forebrain sends information to and receives information from the spinal cord and peripheral nerves. The brainstem controls, among other things, respiration and the regulation of heart rhythms

Question 22

Brocha’s Area

Answer 22

The brain region located in the frontal lobe of the left hemisphere that is important for the production of speech.

Question 23

Catecholamine

Answer 23

The neurotransmitters dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine, which are active in both the brain and the peripheral sympathetic nervous system. These three molecules have certain structural similarities and are part of a larger class of neurotransmitters known as monoamines.

Question 24

Cerebrum

Answer 24

The largest part of the human brain associated with higher order functioning, such as thinking, perceiving, planning, and understanding language, as well as the control of voluntary behavior.

Question 25

Cerebellum

Answer 25

A large structure located at the roof of in the hindbrain that helps control the coordination of movement by making connections to the pons, medulla, spinal cord, and thalamus. It also may be involved in aspects of motor learning

Question 26

Cerebral Cortex

Answer 26

A sheet of tissue covering the outermost layer of the cerebrum.

Question 27

Cerebrospinal Fluid

Answer 27

A liquid found within the ventricles of the brain and the central canal of the spinal cord

Question 28

Circadian Rhythm

Answer 28

A cycle of behavior or physiological change lasting approximately 24 hours

Question 29

Cochlea

Answer 29

A snail-shaped, fluid-filled organ of the inner ear responsible for converting sound into electrical potentials to produce an auditory sensation

Question 30

Cognition

Answer 30

The process or processes by which an organism gains knowledge or becomes aware of events or objects in its environment and uses that knowledge for comprehension and problem-solving.

Question 31

Cone

Answer 31

A primary receptor cell for vision located in the retina. It is sensitive to color and is used primarily for daytime vision.

Question 32

Corpus Callosum

Answer 32

The large bundle of nerve fibers linking the left and right cerebral hemispheres