The Neuron
What do neurons do?
Communicate through electrical impulses
This type of chemical messenger transmits signals between neurons, playing a key role in communication within the nervous system.
Neurotransmitter
What makes up the central nervous system?
The brain and the spinal cord
Name the hormones that acts as the body's natural painkiller
Endorphins
This part of the brain is mainly responsible for aggression and fear
Amygdala
This part of the neuron is responsible for receiving incoming signals from other neurons
Dendrites
Neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation and the target of many antidepression medications
Serotonin
Nervous system component that provides support to neurons
Glia (or glial cells)
Endocrine glands secrete hormones directly into
the bloodstream
This brain region, located at the back of the head, is primarily responsible for processing visual information.
Occipital lobe
Coating that may develop on an axon that speeds up neural transmission
myelin sheath
This neurotransmitter is often associated with the "fight or flight" response.
Norepinephrine
Heartbeat is accomplished by which branch of the nervous system?
Autonomic
This gland, located at the base of the brain, releases hormones that regulate other endocrine glands, including the thyroid, adrenals, and gonads.
Pituitary gland
This structure, part of the limbic system, is crucial for forming new memories and is located in the medial temporal lobe.
Hippocampus
This part of the neuron contains the cell's genetic material and controls its activities, much like the control center of the neuron.
Nucleus
This process refers to the reabsorption of a neurotransmitter by the sending neuron after it has transmitted a neural impulse.
reuptake
Right before giving a big presentation, Maya notices her heart racing, palms sweating, and pupils dilating. This division of the nervous system is activated.
Sympathetic nervous system
Which part of the brain controls the pituitary gland?
Hypothalamus
The part of the brain which regulates and coordinates muscle movement is the?
Cerebellum
The spatial junctions where impulses are chemically transmitted from one neuron to another are called
Synapses
Neurotransmitter whose imbalance is involved in schizophrenia and Parkinson's disease
Dopamine
After the presentation ends, Maya’s heart rate slows and her breathing returns to normal. This division of the nervous system helps restore her body to baseline.
Parasympathetic
This hormone, secreted by the ovaries, regulates the menstrual cycle and is crucial for pregnancy. In men, it helps with sperm production.
Estrogen
This structure connects the brain to the spinal cord and regulates vital functions like breathing and heart rate.
The brain stem