The Nervous System
This is the basic building block of the nervous system.
What is a neuron?
This part of a neuron receives incoming messages from other neurons.
What are dendrites?
The largest part of the brain, responsible for higher cognitive functions.
What is the cerebral cortex?
This system of glands releases hormones into the bloodstream to regulate body functions.
What is the endocrine system?
The phenomenon where each hemisphere of the brain specializes in different functions.
What is lateralization?
The two main divisions of the nervous system.
What are the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS)?
The electrical charge that travels down a neuron’s axon.
What is an action potential?
This part of the brain processes sensory information, such as touch and temperature.
What is the parietal lobe?
This gland, often called the "master gland," controls other endocrine glands.
What is the pituitary gland?
The left hemisphere primarily controls this type of processing, important for speech and language.
What is analytical processing?
This part of the brainstem controls heartbeat and breathing.
What is the medulla?
This gap between neurons allows chemical communication via neurotransmitters.
What is the synapse?
This part of the brain is responsible for voluntary movement and executive functions.
What is the frontal lobe?
This gland produces adrenaline, triggering the "fight or flight" response.
What is the adrenal gland?
Damage to this area in the left hemisphere can result in difficulty producing speech.
What is Broca’s area?
This part of the autonomic nervous system is responsible for calming the body after a stressful event.
What is the parasympathetic nervous system?
This neurotransmitter is associated with muscle movement and memory, and its deficiency is linked to Alzheimer’s disease.
What is acetylcholine?
This structure, part of the limbic system, is crucial for forming new memories.
What is the hippocampus?
The hormone primarily responsible for regulating metabolism.
What is thyroxine?
This brain imaging technique measures electrical activity in the brain.
What is an electroencephalogram (EEG)?
These specialized cells provide structural and nutritional support for neurons.
What are glial cells?
This neurotransmitter is linked to mood regulation, and an imbalance is associated with depression.
What is serotonin?
This structure connects the left and right hemispheres of the brain.
What is the corpus callosum?
The gland responsible for producing insulin, which helps regulate blood sugar.
What is the pancreas?
The brain's ability to reorganize and form new neural connections after injury or learning.
What is neuroplasticity?