Unit 3: Brain and Biology Flashcards
Neural Plasticity
The ability of neural networks in the brain to change and adapt through growth and reorganization.
Glial Cells
Act as glue, being structural support and nourishment for the nervous system.
Lesions
Destruction found in cell tissue.
Computer Tomography (CT) Scans
Like an x-ray that uses 2-dimensional views of the brain.
Magnetic Resonance Tomography (PET) scans
The use of magnetic fields and radio waves to map out structure in more detail than a CT scan.
EEG (electroencephalogram)
Measures brain activity in waves (commonly used for sleep studies and seizures).
Positron emission tomography (PET) scan
Measures glucose with a radioactive marker to detect activity in the brain.
Functioning MRI
Measures oxygen and blood flow.
Reflex Arc
The pathway of neural stimulation that occurs to translate a sensation into a physical reflexive response. Ex: The Knee Jerk.
Sensory Neurons/Afferent Nerves
Picks up sensory information.
Motor Neurons/Efferent Neurons
Does the moving in the body, including the muscles and organs.
Interneurons
Central nervous system neurons that internally communicate and intervene between the sensory inputs and motor inputs. Ex: The Brain & Spinal Cord.
Dendrite
The parts of the neuron that receive signals.
Axon (Axle)
The part of the neuron that announces and sends signals.
Myelin Sheath
The part of the neuron that acts as a case/sheath for the axons, being used as insulation and protection.
Terminal Buttons
The parts of the neuron that secrete neurotransmitters.
Multiple Sclerosis
A disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks the myelin sheath protection the axons causing random flashes of extreme fatigue and other minor symptoms.
Myasthenia Gravis
A neuromuscular disease that causes weakness in the voluntary muscles, making you to get tired quickly.
Action Potential
A shift in charges that allows signals to be sent down the axon (becomes more positively charged/depolarized). 1st step: Sodium gates. 2nd step: Potassium gates.
Depolarization
The movement of a cell’s membrane potential to a more positive value.
All-or-None Principle
All action potentials are the same (though the frequency differs).
Excitatory Neurotransmitters
A positive voltage shift that increases the likelihood that the postsynaptic neuron will fire.
Inhibitory Neurotransmitters
A negative voltage shift that decreases the likelihood that the postsynaptic neuron will fire.
Threshold
The lowest point at which a particular stimulus will cause a response in an organism.
Synapse
The gap found between the an axon and dendrite of two different neurons acting as a junction.
Absolute Refractory Period
1-2 milliseconds that the neuron can’t fire.
Relative Refractory Period
Can only fire if exposed to a greater and more intense stimulus, such as a burning sensation.
Neurotransmitters
Chemical signals that help neurons communicate (match specific receptors).
Acetylcholine
A neurotransmitter that controls voluntary muscle movement. Is linked to Alzheimer’s and Myasthenia Gravis.
Dopamine
A neurotransmitter that links voluntary movement to “reward pathway” (makes you feel good for doing something). Low levels contribute to Parkinson’s Disease. High levels contribute to Schizophrenia.