Brain Basics
The basic unit of the nervous system.
What is a neuron?
This lobe processes visual information.
What is the occipital lobe?
The part of the neuron that receives incoming signals.
What is a dendrite?
This ion is pumped out of the neuron during resting potential.
What is sodium (Na⁺)?
Progressive disease affecting memory and behavior.
What is Alzheimer’s disease?
The part of the brain that connects to the spinal cord.
What is the brainstem?
This lobe receives sensory input for touch and body position.
What is the parietal lobe?
The long extension that carries impulses away from the cell body.
What is an axon?
This ion is pumped into the neuron during resting potential.
What is potassium (K⁺)?
Caused by interruption of blood flow to the brain.
What is a stroke?
This structure is responsible for coordination and balance.
What is the cerebellum?
The lobe associated with hearing and memory.
What is the temporal lobe?
The gap between neurons where neurotransmitters are released.
What is a synapse?
The sodium-potassium pump requires this molecule for energy.
What is ATP?
This neurodegenerative disorder causes tremors, slow movement, and muscle stiffness.
What is Parkinson’s disease?
The large, wrinkled outer part of the brain.
What is the cerebrum?
The strip responsible for voluntary movement.
What is the motor cortex (in the frontal lobe)?
Type of neuron that connects sensory and motor neurons.
What is an interneuron?
This rapid change in membrane potential allows a nerve impulse to travel.
What is an action potential?
A disease that causes the death of motor neurons, leading to muscle weakness and paralysis.
What is ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis)?
This lobe is responsible for problem solving and planning.
What is the frontal lobe?
The area that interprets touch sensations
What is the sensory cortex (in the parietal lobe)?
The insulating layer that increases the speed of impulse transmission.
What is the myelin sheath?
The brief period when a neuron cannot fire another action potential.
What is the refractory period?
A genetic disorder causing breakdown of neurons and symptoms like mood changes and uncontrolled movements.
What is Huntington’s disease?