Brain Structures + Functions
the outer layer of the brain, responsible for higher-level cognitive functions, including thinking, perceiving, and decision-making
What is cerebral cortex?
specialized cell that serves as the building block of the nervous system, transmitting electrical and chemical signals throughout the body
What is neurons?
the level of stimulation required to trigger an action potential in a neuron. It is the minimum amount of stimulation necessary to produce a response
What is threshold?
chemical messengers that transmit signals between neurons, allowing for communication within the nervous system
What is neurotransmitters?
the environmental influences and experiences that shape an individual's psychological development, behaviors, and cognitive processes
What is nurture "environment"?
located at the back of the brain and is primarily responsible for processing visual information received from the eyes
What is occipital lobes?
it consists of the brain and spinal cord. It serves as the command center of the body, responsible for processing information, coordinating responses, and regulating bodily functions
What is the Central Nervous System (CNS)?
brief electrical impulse that travels along the axon of a neuron
What is action potential?
the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the CNS, playing a key role in synaptic transmission and neuronal communication. It is involved in various brain functions, including learning, memory, and neural plasticity
What is glutamate?
the transmission of genetic information from biological parents to offspring
What is heredity?
a relay station in the brain that processes and relays sensory information, such as sight, sound, touch, and taste, to the cerebral cortex
What is the thalamus?
specialized nerve cells that transmit sensory information from sensory receptors, such as those in the skin, muscles, and organs, to the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord)
brief period following an action potential during which a neuron is unable to generate another action potential
What is the refractory period?
a neurotransmitter that acts as the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. It promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety
What is GABA?
refers to the brain's ability to reorganize and adapt throughout life in response to experiences, learning, and environmental changes
What is plasticity?
thick band of nerve fibers that connects the left and right hemispheres of the brain, facilitating communication and information sharing between the two hemispheres
What is corpus callosum?
this system is responsible for promoting relaxation and restoring the body to a calm state after experiencing stress or danger
What is parasympathetic nervous system?
process in which neurotransmitters that have been released into the synapse are reabsorbed by the presynaptic neuron from which they were originally released
neurotransmitters produced by the brain and central nervous system that act as natural pain relievers and mood enhancers
What is endorphins?
located in the left hemisphere of the brain, specifically in the frontal lobe, that is responsible for speech production and language processing
What is Broca's Area?
vital structure located at the base of the brainstem, regulating essential autonomic functions such as heartbeat, breathing, and blood pressure
What is medulla?
the "support cells" of the nervous system, provide structural support, insulation, and nourishment to neurons
What is glial cells?
phase of action potential where the inside of the neuron becomes less negative compared to the outside due to the influx of positively charged ions, such as sodium ions, through ion channels in the cell membrane
What is depolarization?
hormone produced primarily by fat cells that regulates energy balance and appetite. It acts on the hypothalamus in the brain to suppress appetite and increase energy expenditure
What is leptin?
region located in the left hemisphere of the brain, specifically in the temporal lobe, that is involved in language comprehension and understanding spoken and written language
What is Wernicke's Area?