The Brain

neuron

synapse

neurotransmitter Chemical messenger specialized for communication

from neuron to neuron

glial cellsCell in nervous system that plays a role in the

formation of myelin and the blood-brain barrier, responds to injury, removes debris, and

enhances learning and memory

thresholdMembrane potential necessary to trigger an

action potential.

action potentialA neural impulse; a brief electrical charge that travels

down an axon.

reuptake

A neurotransmitter's reabsorption by the sending neuron

neural plasticityAbility of brain tissue to modify itself and take on

new functions.

neurogenesis

Creation of new neurons in the adult brain

cerebral cortex

outermost part of forebrain, responsible for analyzing sensory processing and higher

brain functions

corpus callosum

A thick band of nerve fibers that connects large areas of the cerebral cortex on each side of the brain and supports communication of information across the hemispheres.

motor cortexAn area at the rear of the frontal lobes that

controls voluntary movements

Broca’s area

Controls language expression - an area of the frontal lobe, usually in the left hemisphere, that directs the muscle movements involved in speech.

Wernicke’s areapart of the temporal lobe involved in understanding speech

somatosensory cortex

portion of the brain which interprets body sensations

thalamusA forebrain structure that processes sensory information for all

senses, except smell, and relays it to the cerebral cortex

hypothalamus

Structure below the thalamus, responsible for maintaining a constant internal state

amygdalapart of limbic system that plays key roles in

fear, excitement, and arousal

hippocampus

part of the brain that plays a role in spatial memory

cerebellumBalance and coordination

brain stempart of the brain between the spinal cord and cerebral cortex that contains the midbrain, pons, and medulla

ponspart of the brain stem that connects the

cortex with the cerebellum

medulla

part of brain stem involved in basic functions, such as heartbeat and breathing

spinal cordthick bundle of nerves that conveys signals

between the brain and the body

interneuron

neuron that sends messages to other neurons nearby

endocrine systemsystem of glands and hormones that

controls secretion of blood-borne chemical messengers

hormone

chemical released into the bloodstream that influences particular organs and glands

adrenal glandtissue located on top of the kidneys that

releases adrenaline and cortisol during states of emotional arousal

E.G.G.

Electroencephalogram—a recording of brain's electrical activity at the

surface of the skull

CT ScanComputed Tomography—a scanning technique

using multiple X-rays to construct three-dimensional images

MRI

Magnetic resonance imaging—technique that uses magnetic fields to

indirectly visualize brain structure

PET Scanpositron emission tomography—imaging technique that

measures consumption of glucose-like molecules, yielding a picture of neural activity in different regions of the brain

fMRI

functional magnetic resonance imaging—technique that uses magnetic fields to visualize brain activity using changes in

blood oxygen level

split brain surgeryprocedure that involves severing the corpus callosum to

reduce the spread of epileptic seizures

all-or-nothing principle a neuron can release all of its neurotransmitters

or none