THE COGNITIVE BRAIN
This part of the brain plays a significant role in producing emotions, especially fear and jealousy.
Amygdala
The portion of the brain (located in the back of the brain) which helps coordinate movement, such as balance, posture, movement and muscle coordination.
Cerebellum
What chemical would be excreted when...
Feeling proud of getting a good grade
Scoring a pivotal goal in a big game
Dopamine
A long, thin projection of a neuron that carries electrical signals (action potentials) away from the cell body.
Axon
Engage in aerobic exercise and weight training to improve blood flow to the brain, enhance memory, and reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
Physical Activity
A region in the back of the brain which processes visual sensations and information (images, shapes, colors). The Visual Cortex resides here, and it where reading is made possible.
Occipital Lobe
It controls many body processes, such as heart rate and feelings of hunger and thirst, as well as circadian (24-hour cycle) rhythms. It is located above the brain stem.
Hypothalamus
What chemical would be excreted when...
Participating in clubs or team activities where you feel included
Feeling happy after spending time with friends
Serotonin
Branch-like extensions that receive chemical signals from the axons of other neurons.
Dendrite
Challenge your brain with activities that engage your mind to help keep it sharp.
Mental stimulation and engagement
The front part of the brain, involved in planning, judgment, reasoning, impulse control, organizing, problem solving, selective attention, personality, personality and a variety of “higher cognitive functions”, including behavior and emotions.
Frontal Lobe
This is involved in processing pain and touch sensation, as well as being involved in emotion, memory and speech. It integrates auditory, visual and tactile signals
Parietal Lobe
What chemical would be excreted when ....
Feeling nervous before a big test or presentation
Pre-game anxiety before a sports competition
Cortisol
The gap between the axon of one neuron and the dendrite of another.
Synapse
Eat foods rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats. Foods like salmon, leafy greens, nuts, and blueberries are particularly beneficial.
Healthy Diet
This structure connects the right and left hemispheres of the brain, and facilitates communication between the two. it is important for intelligence, consciousness and self-awareness.
Corpus Callosum
Think of this as the relay station of the brain. All sensory input and output routes through this point. It also is suspected to play a function in muscle control, as well as regulating important bodily functions including hunger, body temperature.
Thalamus
What chemical will be excreted when...
High-fives or fist bumps with teammates
Talking to a trusted friend or teacher about problems
Oxytocin
Protective sheath that forms around the axon and speeds up this transmission of signal conduction to jump between the nodes
Myelin
Prioritize getting enough to allow for brain maintenance and proper cognitive function.
Adequate Sleep
Its primary role is memory formation, classifying information and long-term memory
Hippocampus
Located about ear-level in each hemisphere of the brain. They allow a person to distinguish between different smells and sounds. They also help with new information and are believed responsible for short-term memory.
Temporal Lobe
What chemical will be excreted when...
Running laps or doing sports drills → “runner’s high.”
Celebrating a win or personal milestone.
Eating comfort food or spicy food that triggers a little euphoria
Endorphins
A nerve cell that sends and receives electrical signals.
Neuron
Spend time with others to help ward off depression and stress, which can negatively impact memory.
Social Engagement