Use LEFT and RIGHT arrow keys to navigate between flashcards;
Use UP and DOWN arrow keys to flip the card;
H to show hint;
A reads text to speech;
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.
|