Neuron Anatomy
The "listeners" of the neuron. Function: Receive incoming signals from other neurons.
Dendrites
The brain’s ability to rearrange the connections between its neurons - that is, the changes that occur in the structure of the brain as a result of learning or experience.
Brain Plasticity
Chemical messengers that transmit signals across the synapse.
Neurotransmitters
Controls the brain's reward and pleasure centers. Plays a key role in motivation; low levels are linked to addictive behavior.
Dopamine
The part of your brain that handles the 4 Fs; Fighting, Fleeing, Feeding, and Mating. Keeps your body in homeostasis.
Hypothalamus
The specialized end of an axon that transmits information from one neuron to another; Where electrical signals are converted into chemical signals through the release of neurotransmitters into the synapse
Axon Terminal
The process where synapses become stronger through repeated use.
Long-term Potentiation
a neurotransmitter’s reabsorption by the sending neuron
Reuptake
Natural painkillers.
Endorphins
Plays a major role in forming new episodic and semantic memories.
Hippocampus
The small gap between neurons where communication occurs.
Synapse
Every time we learn something new, the neurons connect to create a new path in the brain
Dendritic Branching
A brief electrical charge that travels down the axon.
Action Potential
Enables muscle action, also heavily linked to learning and memory
Acetylcholine (ACh)
The theory that specific parts of the brain are responsible for specific behaviors or cognitive processes.
Localization of Function
A fatty layer around the axon. Function: Speeds up electrical signal transmission.
Myelin Sheath
When a synapse is not used or is under-stimulated and is then removed, making the functioning of the neural networks more efficient.
Synaptic Pruning
Drugs that mimic neurotransmitters or enhance their action.
Agonists
Arouses alertness and energy.
Norepinephrine
Processes emotions, especially fear and aggression. Plays a role in the formation of emotional memory and fear responses; Could be linked to Flashbulb Memories
Amygdala
The "talker" of the neuron. Function: Sends signals to other neurons or muscles.
Axon
The concept of long-term potentiation is a biological explanation for the concept of _____________
Rehearsal
This type of neurotransmitter prevents neurons from firing, decrease the likelihood of an action potential triggering
Inhibitory
Regulates mood and sleep. Low levels=depression.
Serotonin
This structure plays a role in habit formation and procedural memories, this was undamaged in Eugene Pauly
Basal Ganglia