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57 Cards in this Set

  • Front
  • Back
Neuron
Nerve cell specialised for communication.
Dendrite
Portion of the neuron that recieves signals.
Axon
Portion of the neuron that sends signals
Synaptic Vesicle
Spherical sac containing neuro-transmitters
Neurotransmitter
Chemical messemger specialised for communication from neuron to neuron.
Synapse
Space between two connecting neurons through which messages are transmitted chemically.
Synaptic Cleft
Gap into which neurotransmitters are released from axon terminal.
Glial Cell
Cell 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.
Myelin Sheath
Glial cells wrapped around axons that act as insulators of the neuron's signal
Resting Potential
Electrical charge difference across the neuronal membrane when the neuron is not being stimulated or inhibited.
Threshold
Membrane potential necessary to trigger an action potential.
Action Potential
Electrical impulse that travels down the axon triggering the release of neurotransmitters.
Absolute Refractory Period
Time during which another action potential is impossible; limits the maximal firing rate.
Receptor Site
location that uniquely recognises a neurotransmitter
Reuptake
Means of recycling neurotransmitters.
Plasticity
Ability of the nervous system to change.
Central Nervous System
Part of nervous system containing brain and spinal cord that controls the mind and behaviour.
Peripheral Nervous System
Nerves in the body that extend beyond the central nervous system.
Cerebral Ventricles
Pockets in the brain that contain cerebrospinal fluid that provides the brain with nutrients and cushions against injury.
Forebrain (Cerebrum)
Foreword part of the brain that allows advanced intellectual abilities.
Cerebral Hemimspheres
Two halves of the cerebral cortex, each of which serve distinct yet highly integrated functions.
Corpus Callosum
Large band of fibres connecting the two cerebral hemispheres
Cerebral Cortex
Outermost part of the forebrain responsible for analysing sensory processing and higher brain functions.
Frontal Lobe
Forward part of the cerebral cortex responsible for motor function; language; memory and planning.
Motor Cortex
Part of frontal lobe responsible for body movement.
Prefrontal Cortex
Part of frontal lobe responsible for thinking, planning and language.
Broca's Area
Language area in the prefrontal cortex that helps to control speech production.
Parietal Lobe
Upper middle part of the cerebral cortex lying behind the frontal lobe that is specialised for touch and perception.
Temporal Lobe
Lower part of cerebral cortex that plays roles in hearing, understanding language and memory.
Wernicke's Area
Part of the temporal lobe involved in understanding speech.
Occipital Lobe
Back part of cerebral cortex specialised for vision.
Primary Sensory Cortex
Regions of the cerebral cortex that that initially processes information from the senses.
Association Cortex
Regions of the cerebral cortex that integrate simpler functions to perform more complex functions.
Basal Ganglia
Structures in the forebrain that help control movement.
Limbic System
Emotional centre of the brain that also plays roles in smell, motivation and memory.
Thalamus
Gateway from the sense organs to the primary sensory cortex.
Hypothalamus
Part of the brain responsible for maintaining a constant internal state.
Amygdala
Part of Limbic System that plays key roles in fear, excitement and arousal.
Hippocampus
Part of the brain that plays a role in spatial memory.
Brain Stem
Part of the brain between the spinal cord and cerebral cortex that contains the midbrain, pons and medulla.
Midbrain
Part of the brain stem that contributes to movement, tracking of visual stimuli and reflexes triggered by sound.
Reticular Activating System (RAS)
Brain area that plays a key role in arousal.
Hindbrain
Region below the midbrain that contains the cerebellum, pons and medulla.
Cerebellum
Brain structure responsible for our sense of balance.
Pons
Part of brain stem that connects cortex with cerebellum.
Medulla
Part of brain stem involved in basic functions, such as heartbeat and breathing.
Spinal Cord
Thick bundle of nerves that convey signals between brain and body.
Interneuron
Neuron that sends messages to other neurons nearby.
Reflex
An automatic motor response to a sensory stimulus.
Somatic Nervous System
Part of the nervous system that conveys information between the CNS and the body, controlling and coordinating involuntary movement.
Autonomic Nervous System
Part of the nervous system controlling the involuntary actions of our internal organs and glands, which along with the limbic system participates in emotional regulation.
Sympathetic Nervous System
Division of the autonomic nervous system engaged during a crisis or after actions requiring fight or flight.
Parasympathetic Nervous System
Division of autonomic nervous system that controls rest and digestion.
Endocrine System
System of glands and hormones that control secretion of blood borne chemical messages.
Hormone
Chemical released into the bloodstream that influences particular organs or glands.
Pituitary Gland
Master gland that, under the control of the hippothalamus, directs the other glands of the body.
Adrenal Gland
Tissue located on top of the kidneys that releases adrenaline and cortisol during states of emotional arousal.