Brain Anatomy
This large, wrinkly part of the brain is responsible for higher mental functions like problem-solving.
What is the Cerebrum?
These immune-functional cells digest debris and kill bacteria within the nervous system.
What are Microglial Cells?
These two ions provide the electrical current for a nerve impulse.
What are Sodium and Potassium?
This is the main excitatory signal in the CNS, critical for learning and memory.
What is Glutamate?
This specialized synapse is where motor neurons communicate with muscle fibers.
What is the Neuromuscular Junction (NMJ)?
These membranes are located between the bone and soft tissues of the central nervous system
What are the Meninges?
These cells form the insulating myelin sheath around neurons specifically in the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
What are Schwann cells?
This is the junction or gap between two communicating neurons.
What is a Synapse?
This primary inhibitory signal calms nerve cells and reduces anxiety.
What is GABA?
Unlike NSAIDs, these central-acting medications bind to receptors in the CNS to alter the perception of pain.
What are Opioids?
This "Tree of Life" refers to the white matter within the cerebellum that assists with balance and coordination.
What is the Arbor Vitae?
This term describes the "gaps" found in the myelin insulation surrounding an axon.
What are Nodes of Ranvier?
These shorter, numerous fibers receive incoming information for the neuron.
What are Dendrites?
This neurotransmitter is primarily responsible for muscle contraction, as well as memory and attention.
What is Acetylcholine (ACh)?
This is the term for the brain reducing receptor density to compensate for excessive neurotransmitter levels, often due to drug use.
What is Downregulation?
This relay station for sensory information is located in the diencephalon.
What is the Thalamus?
In the CNS, these specific neuroglial cells are responsible for creating the myelin sheath
What are Oligodendrocytes?
This term describes the "all-or-nothing" electrical impulse that travels down an axon once a threshold is reached.
What is an Action Potential?
These "feel-good" chemicals act as natural pain reducers and can produce euphoria.
What are Endorphins?
These antidepressants, such as Zoloft or Prozac, work by blocking the reuptake of Serotonin
What are SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)?
This specific part of the brain stem regulates heart rate, respiration, and blood pressure
What is the Medulla (or Medulla Oblongata)?
These star-shaped cells connect blood vessels to neurons to provide a nutrient supply.
What are Astrocytes?
Nerve impulses travel faster in axons that have these two physical characteristics.
What are a larger diameter and myelin (myelinated)?
This type of molecule blocks the effect that a neurotransmitter normally has on a postsynaptic neuron
What is an Antagonist?
This illegal stimulant attaches to dopamine transporters, blocking recycling and causing a massive dopamine buildup.
What is Cocaine?