Nervous System
The brain and the spinal cord, which handles reflexes.
Central nervous system
Thick treelike fibers that receive messages from other neurons.
Dendrites
Promotes the experience of love and increases social bonding.
Oxytocin
A structure of the limbic system responsible for formation and storage of memories.
Hippocampus
What does an Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan do?
•Magnet + radio waves create detailed images of the brain but does not record brain activity.
•shows small details that help identify the effects of small strokes.
Part of the peripheral nervous system that controls involuntary muscles, organs, and glands that support processes such as breathing, heart rate, and digestion.
Autoomic nervous system
Small sacs at the end of the neuron that contain chemicals that communicate with other neurons.
Axon terminals (terminal buttons)
Relays messages from neurons to muscles, enabling movement. Too much = spasms; too little = paralysis
Acetylcholine
The “triage” system of the brain that processes sensory information before sending it on to the part of the forebrain that deals with that kind of sensation.
Thalamus
What does a Computed Tomography (CT) scan do?
•X-ray images from different angles + software that creates cross-sectional images that map the structure of the brain.
•Can show:
•Stroke damage
•Tumors
•Skull fractures
•Abnormal brain structures
•Metal
These are specialized cells of the nervous system that transmit electrical and chemical signals in the body.
Neurons
The state when a neuron is not transmitting information; positively charged sodium ions are outside of the cell, and negatively charged potassium ions are largely contained inside.
Resting potential
It helps control appetite, aggression, and mood, and regulates sleep and breathing. Abnormally low activity is thought to drive depression.
Serotonin
Half of the cerebrum (the largest portion of the brain) tha handles visual and spatial information, broad processing.
Right Hemisphere
What does a Functional MRI (fMRI) scan do?
•Magnets + software generate a detailed, 3-D computer image of brain structures and activity based on how the brain uses oxygen.
•Clearer than PET scans.
•Can be used in early detection of Alzheimer’s disease.
Part of the autonomic system that responds to stress and arouses the body for action in response to threats.
Sympathetic division
If enough sending neurons signal the receiving neuron to pass along the message, their combined signal becomes _____ and the neuron fires.
Excitatory
Feelings of pleasure. Plays a key role in attention, learning through reinforcement, and regulating body movements.
Dopamine
Controls processes such as breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate. Part of the hindbrain.
Medulla Oblongata
What does a Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan do?
•Injection of radioactive glucose + computer detect brain activity by measuring blood flow to active areas in the brain.
•Can evaluate:
•Brain tumors.
•Memory.
•Alcohol abuse.
Part of the peripheral nervous system that controls voluntary movements through sensory and motor pathways.
Somatic nervous system
The tiny gap where the axon of a presynaptic neuron communicates with the dendrite of a postsynaptic neuron.
Synapse (synaptic cleft, synaptic gap)
Adrenal hormone that maintains activation of bodily systems during prolonged physical/psychological stress.
Cortisol
Lobes located at the top/back of the brain and are responsible for understanding body position and movement as well as sensation and perception of touch.
Parietal Lobes
What does an Electroencephalography (EEG) scan do?
•Electrodes measure ongoing electrical functioning in the brain (when electrical activity occurs).
•Can identify types of epilepsy.