Module 9
A cell body w/ branching fibers (dendrites); from there a cell's single lengthy axon fiber passes the message through its terminal branches to other neurons or muscles or glands
Nervous System
The body's speedy, electrochemical communication network, consisting of all the nerve cells of the peripheral and central nervous systems
What is neurogenesis? What is its response to damage?
The formation of new neurons
Cognitive impairments; Alzheimer's disease
Function of the hippocampus?
Converts short term memories into long term
Function of the medulla oblingata?
Controls heartbeat, breathing, and swallowing
Action Potiential
A neural impluse; a brief electrical charge that travels down an axon
What does the brain and spinal cord form?
The central nervous system, the body's decision maker
The interdisciplinary study of the brain activity linked w/ cognition (including perception, thinking, memory, and language)
Function of amygdala?
Influences our motivation, fear response= attributes emotions to emotion
Function of pons?
Influences sleeping and breathing
How does neuron communication occur?
One neuron's terminal branches send messages to neighboring dendrites-->myelin sheath
Sympathetic Response vs Parasympathetic Response
Sympathetic=arouses the body, mobilizing its energy
Parasympathetic=calms the body, conserving its energy
What is epigenetics?
"Above" or "in addition to"; the study of environmental influences on gene expression that occur w/o DNA change
Function of the cingulate cortex?
Function of reticular formation?
The attention center
Agonist vs Antagonist
Agonists increase a neurotransmitter's action; antagonists decrease the action by blocking production
What brain structures are involved in the endocrine system?
Hypothalamus; adrenal glands
Function of the thalamus?
Relays information from the sensory receptors to the brain to be processed;quaterback of senses
Function of the basal ganglia?
Known for its role in movement
Function of the cerebellum?
What is dopamine and serotonin?
Dopamine=Influences movement, learning, attention, and emotion
Serotonin=Affects mood, hunger, sleep, and arousal
What are hormones?
Chemical messengers that are manufactored by the endocrine glands, travel through the bloodstream, and effect other tissues
Function of hypothalamus?
Regulates the pituitary glands which regulates the endocrine system=regulation of hormones;quarterback of hormones
Function of midbrain?
Visual and auditory processing and its connection to reflexes
Function of the temporal lobe?
Primary auditory (hearing) cortex