Neuron / Neuron Firing
Also called the axon terminal, this where neurochemicals are released from the sending neuron.
synapse/synaptic gap
This is the primary inhibitory chemical; calms neural excitability and regulates muscle tone, thereby promoting relaxation and reducing stress and anxiety
GABA
I am in charge of hearing
auditory cortex
I am controlled by the hypothalamus
pituitary gland
In this brain research method, patients have real-time photos of their brain's activity. While being scanned, they will be asked to perform simple tasks, such as reading, thinking or just moving a body part
fMRI
this is the protective, fatty covering for axons that helps the speed of the messages sent
myelin sheath
This neurotransmitter plays a crucial role in motivation, reward, pleasure, and regulation of body movements.
Dopamine
I am in charge of breathing and heartbeat
medulla
I am the cortical lobes in charge of planning, judgment, and impulse control
frontal lobes
Researching split-brain patients allows researchers to learn more about this, the idea that each cerebral hemisphere controls the functions of the opposite side of the body.
contralateral hemispheric organization
This is the period after an action potential when the neuron cannot send another signal until it has reached back to its resting state.
refractory period
This hormone is produced by fat cells to signal fullness to the brain, suppressing appetite and managing energy storage.
Leptin
I am responsible for your ability to pick up tiny beads that fell on the floor (fine motor skills)
cerebellum
Damaging this association area of your brain would result in knowing what you want to say but being unable to get the words out fluently.
Broca's area (Broca's aphasia okay)
This type of brain research has patients with brain damage examined to determine which brain structures are damaged and how this influences the patient's behavior. Researchers attempt to correlate a specific brain area to an observed behavior by using reported experiences and research.
Lesion brain-research method.
These cells provide support and protect neurons by providing structural support, insulating nerve fibers, maintaining homeostasis, removing waste during sleep, and assisting in signal transmission.
This type of drug block neurotransmission by occupying receptor sites to postsynaptic neuron.
Antagonist
I am responsible for connecting the two hemispheres to allow for communication
corpus callosum
I am the lobes which contain the region primarily in charge of vision
occipital lobes
This brain research method involves electrodes positioned in direct contact with the scalp to transmit signals about the brain’s electrical activity.
EEG
This is when a neuron receives a stimulus that reaches a certain critical level and triggers a massive wave of depolarization.
threshold
This category of drugs are endorphin-mimicking painkillers that illicit warm, euphoric feelings that can disrupt natural endorphin use and creation.
Opioids
I am a collection of brain areas that regulate emotions, memory, and basic drives
limbic system
Located at the front of the parietal lobe, this cortex processes touch sensitivity
Somatosensory cortex
Sensory neurons bring in information from stimuli and send to spinal cord, where the message is sent to interneurons in the spinal cord. The interneurons then bypass the brain in order to create a quick response and send the message straight to the motor neurons where the muscles are told what to do. Ex: pulling your hand away from a hot stove before you feel the heat/pain.