Brain Structures
The endocrine system's most influential gland. Under the influence of the hypothalamus, the pituitary regulates growth and controls other endocrine glands.
Pituitary gland
A neural center located in the limbic system that helps process explicit memories for storage
hippocampus
a neural impulse; a brief electrical charge that travels down an axon
Action potential
Drugs that interfere with the reuptake of neurotransmitters in the synapse so that a greater amount remains in the synapse
Reuptake inhibitors
A relatively direct connection between a sensory neuron and a motor neuron that allows an extremely rapid response to a stimulus, often without conscious brain involvement.
Reflex
help orient an organism in the environment and guide movement toward or away from stimuli by transferring information into the cerebral cortex and cerebellum
midbrain
network of nervous running through the brainstem to connect the cerebrum. Arousal and consciousness
Reticular formation
the membrane potential rapidly shifts from negative to positive. Na+ ions rush into the cell
Depolarization
highly addictive, morphine, codeine, heroin, oxycontin, vicodin, demoral
Narcotics
the ability within the brain to constantly change both the structure and function of many cells in response to experience or trauma
Neuroplasticity
helps govern the endocrine system via the pituitary gland
Hypothalamus
two lima bean-sized neural clusters in the limbic system; linked to emotion.
amygdala
The endpoint of a neuron where neurotransmitters are stored
Axon terminals
psychedelic drugs, such as LSD, that distort perceptions and evoke sensory images in the absence of sensory input
Hallucinogens'
the formation of new neurons
neurogenesis
controls vital life-sustaining functions such as heartbeat, breathing, blood pressure, and digestion.
Medulla
the brain's sensory switchboard, located on top of the brainstem; it directs messages to the sensory receiving areas in the cortex and transmits replies to the cerebellum and medulla
Thalamus
Branchlike parts of a neuron that are specialized to receive information.
Dendrites
Drugs (such as caffeine, nicotine, and the more powerful amphetamines, cocaine, and Ecstasy) that excite neural activity and speed up body functions.
Stimulants
a surgical procedure that involves cutting the corpus callosum
Split brain operation
A brain structure that relays information from the cerebellum to the rest of the brain
Pons
The limbic system is composed of what three structures
Hypothalamus, Hippocampus, Amygdala
the junction between the axon tip of the sending neuron and the dendrite or cell body of the receiving neuron
synapse
drugs that tend to slow down the central nervous system
depressants
Too little serotonin causes
depression, anxiety, OCD