Psychology: Brain Parts And The Nervous System

Front 1

the specialized cells that conduct impulses through the nervous system and contain three major parts - a cell body, dendrites, and an axon

Back 1

neurons

Front 2

The part of a neuron that contains the nucleus and carries out the metabolic functions of the neuron

Back 2

cell body

Front 3

in a neuron, the branchlike extensions of the cell body that receives signals from other neurons

Back 3

dendrites

Front 4

the slender, tail-like extension of the neuron that transmits signals to the dendrites or cell bodies of other neurons and to muscles, glands, and other parts of the body

Back 4

axon

Front 5

bulbous end of the axon where signals move from the axon of one neuron to the dendrites or cell bodies of another

Back 5

axon terminal

Front 6

specialized cells in the brain and spinal cord that holds neurons together, remove waste products such as dead neurons, and perform other manufacturing, nourishing, and cleanup tasks

Back 6

glial cells

Front 7

the junction where the axon terminal of sending neuron communicates with a receiving neuron across the synaptic cleft

Back 7

synapse

Front 8

the white, fatty coating wrapped around some axons that acts as insulation and enables impulses to travel much faster

Back 8

myelin sheath

Front 9

a neurotransmitter that plays a role in learning new information, causes the skeletal muscles to contract, and keeps the heart from beating too rapidly

Back 9

acetycholine

Front 10

a neurotransmitter that plays a role in learning, attention, movement, and reinforcement; associated with Parkingson's disease and schizophrenia

Back 10

dopamine

Front 11

a neurotransmitter affecting eating, alertness, and sleep

Back 11

norepinephrine

Front 12

a neurotransmitter that affects the metabolism of glucose and causes nutrient energy stored in muscles to be released during strenuous exercise

Back 12

epinephrine

Front 13

a neurotransmitter that plays an important role in regulating mood, sleep, impulsivity, aggression, and appetite

Back 13

serotonin

Front 14

primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain

Back 14

glutamate

Front 15

primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain

Back 15

GABA

Front 16

chemicals produced naturally by the brain that reduces pain and the stress of vigorous exercise and positively affect mood

Back 16

endorphins

Front 17

part of the nervous system with the brain and the spinal cord

Back 17

central nervous system

Front 18

the nerves connecting the central nervous system to the rest of the body

Back 18

peripheral nervous system

Front 19

part of the peripheral nervous system that controls skeletal muscles and interacts with the external environment

Back 19

somatic nervous system

Front 20

part of the peripheral nervous system that regulates the body's internal environment (organs, glands, blood vessels)

Back 20

autonomic nervous system

Front 21

part of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for action and mobilizes energy sources (fight or flight response)

Back 21

sympathetic nervous system

Front 22

part of the autonomic nervous system that conserves body's energy and returns the body to its normal, quiet state after an emergency

Back 22

parasympathetic nervous system

Front 23

a link between the spinal cord and the brain that contains structures that regulate physiological functions (heart rate, respiration, and blood pressure)

Back 23

hindbrain

Front 24

the structure that begins at the point where the spinal cord enlarges as it enters the brain and handles functions critical to physical survival; includes medulla, the pons, and the reticular formation

Back 24

brainstem

Front 25

part of the brainstem that controls heartbeat, blood pressure, breathing, coughing, and swallowing

Back 25

medulla

Front 26

a structure in the brainstem that plays a crucial role in arousal and attention; screens sensory messages entering the brain

Back 26

reticular formation

Front 27

structure that connects the halves of the cerebellem

Back 27

pons

Front 28

the brain structure that helps the body execute smooth, skiklled movements and regulates muscle tone and posture

Back 28

cerebellum

Front 29

area that contains structures liking the physiological functions of the hindbrain to the cognitive functions of the forebrain

Back 29

midbrain

Front 30

structure in the midbrain that controls unconscious motor movements

Back 30

substantia nigra

Front 31

the largest part of the brain, where cognitive functions as well as many of the motor functions of the brain are carried out

Back 31

forebrain

Front 32

structure, located above the brainstem, that acts as a relay station for information flowing into or out of the forebrain

Back 32

thalamus

Front 33

a small but influential brain structure that regulates hunger, thirst, sexual behavior, internal body temperature, other body functions and a wide variety of emotional behaviors

Back 33

hypothalamus