The Neuron
The long, cable-like extension that carries electrical impulses away from the cell body.
What is the axon?
This is the command center of the nervous system, processing and sending out information.
What is the brain (central nervous system)?
The endocrine system regulates body processes by releasing these chemical messengers into the bloodstream.
What are hormones?
This outer layer of the brain is responsible for higher-level thinking, decision-making, and processing sensory information.
What is the cerebral cortex?
In a split-brain patient, this structure normally connects the two brain hemispheres but is severed during split-brain surgery.
What is the corpus callosum?
The small gap between neurons where neurotransmitters are released.
What is the synapse (or synaptic cleft)?
This division of the peripheral nervous system controls voluntary muscle movements.
What is the somatic nervous system?
This pea-sized gland, located at the base of the brain, is known as the "master gland" because it controls many other endocrine glands.
What is the pituitary gland?
This lobe of the brain is responsible for decision-making, problem-solving, and voluntary movement.
What is the frontal lobe?
After a split-brain surgery, this hemisphere of the brain typically controls language and speech.
What is the left hemisphere?
This part of the neuron receives incoming signals from other neurons.
What is the dendrite?
This branch of the autonomic nervous system is responsible for the "rest and digest" (calming) response.
What is the parasympathetic nervous system?
This hormone, released by the adrenal glands, is commonly known as the “stress hormone” because it helps the body respond to stress.
What is cortisol?
This structure at the back of the brain helps control balance, coordination, and fine motor skills.
What is the cerebellum?
This term refers to the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections in response to learning, experience, or injury.
What is neuroplasticity?
This neurotransmitter is associated with pleasure and reward, and is often linked to addiction.
What is dopamine?
This division of the autonomic nervous system prepares the body for action by increasing heart rate, dilating pupils, and inhibiting digestion.
What is the sympathetic nervous system?
Known as the "love hormone," this hormone is released during childbirth and helps with bonding and social connections.
What is oxytocin?
This seahorse-shaped structure in the limbic system plays a key role in forming new memories.
What is the hippocampus?
This concept refers to the idea that specific areas of the brain are responsible for particular functions, like language or motor control.
What is localization of function?
A deficiency in this neurotransmitter is linked to depression and mood disorders.
What is serotonin?
This major division of the nervous system includes all nerves outside the brain and spinal cord and connects the CNS to the rest of the body.
What is the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?
This hormone, produced by the pineal gland, helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle and is influenced by light exposure.
What is melatonin?
This structure at the back of the brain helps control balance, coordination, and fine motor skills.
What is the cerebellum?
This hemisphere of the brain is typically responsible for spatial awareness, creativity, and processing visual information.
What is the right hemisphere?