Neurons
receiver” part of the neuron, which accepts most of the incoming messages.
dendrite
Referred to as the “master gland” because it regulates many other glands and secretes growth hormone
Pituitary gland
Located just above the spinal cord.
Heart rate
Breathing
Blood Pressure
Medulla
Controls the automatic functions of the body.
Autonomic Nervous System
An organism’s physical characteristics.
E.g. eye color, hair color
Phenotype
“transmitter” fiber that extends from the soma.
axon
Secretes hormones (primarily thyroxin) that control metabolism
Thyroid gland
Receives sensory information and sends them to appropriate areas of forebrain.
Like a switchboard.
Thalamus
Automatically slows the body down after a stressful event.
Heart rate and breathing slow down, pupils constrict and digestion speeds up.
Parasympathetic Nervous System
Neurotransmitters that are not absorbed by the connecting dendrite are reabsorbed by the sending neuron in a process called
reuptake
Protects & insulates the axon and the electric signal
Myelin Sheath
Secretes hormones in reaction to stress... quick energy
Adrenal glands
List the functions of the hypothalamus
Body temperature
Hunger
Thirst
Sexual Arousal (libido)
Endocrine System
monitors electrical activity of the brain over time by means of recording electrodes attached to the surface of the scalp
EEG
Blocks release of ACh at the neuromuscular junction, causing paralysis; which is why a lot of Hollywood types never look surprised
Botulism
brief recharging period that follows an action potential
refractory period
secrete estrogens and androgens
Ovaries and testes
involved in memory processing.
Hippocampus
Examine brain function, mapping out actual activity in the brain over time.
Radioactively tagged chemicals introduced into brain
PET scan
attaches the two hemispheres of cerebral cortex.
Corpus Callosum
Cells that insulate and support neurons
·Create the myelin sheath
·Remove waste products
·Provide nourishment
·Prevent harmful substances from entering the brain
Glial Cells
Secretes melatonin which regulates the
sleep-wake cycle
Pineal gland
responsible for controlling muscles that produce speech.
Broca's area
uses magnetic fields, radio waves, & computerized enhancements to map out brain structure... still image
MRI
When the cell becomes excited, it triggers, which reverses the charge and causes the electrical signal to race along the axon.
Action Potential