Ch. 2 Introducing the Brain

Psychology 416 with Berryhill at University of Nevada-Reno

About this deck

By: Ashlie Senko
Textbook:

The Student's Guide to Cognitive Neuroscience, 2nd Edition
Created: 2010-11-02
Size: 30 flashcards
Views: 30

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neuron

a type of cell that makes up the nervous system and supports, amongst other things, cognitive function

cell body

part of the neuron containing the nucleus and other organelles

dendrites

branching structures that cary information from other neurons

axon

branching structure that carries information to other neurons and transmits an action potential

synapse

the small gap between neurons in which neurotransmitters are released, permitting signalling between neurons

action potential

a sudden change (deplolarization and repolarization) in the electrical properties of the neuron membrane in an axon

neurtransmitters

chemical signals that are released by one neuron and affect the properties of other neurons

myelin

a fatty substance that is deposited around the axon of some neurons that speeds conduction

gray matter

matter consisting primarily of neuronal cell bodies

white matter

tissue of the nervous system consisting primarily of axons and support cells

glia

support cells of the nervous system involved in tissue repair and in the formation of myelin (amongst other functions)

corpus callosum

a large white matter tract that connects the two hemispheres

ventricles

the hollow chambers of the brain that contain cerebrospinal fluid

towards the front

posterior

towards the back

superior / dorsal

towards the top

inferior / ventral

towards the bottom

lateral

the outer part

gyri (gyrus - singular)

the raised folds of the cortex

sulci (sulcus- singular)

the buried grooves of the cortex

Brodmann's areas

regions of the cortex defined by the relative distribution of cell types across the cortical layers (cytoarchitecture)

Basal ganglia

regions of subcortical gray matter involved in aspects of motor control and skill learning; they consist of structures such as the caudate nucleuas, putamen, and globus pallidus

limbic system

a region of the subcortex involved in relating the organism to its present and past environment; limbic structures include the amygdala, hippocampus, cingulate cortex, and mamillary bodies

thalamus

a major subcortical relay center; for instance, it is a processing station between all sensory organs (except smell) and the cortex

hypothalamus

consists of a variety of nuclei that are specialized for different functions that are primarily concerned with teh body and it regulations

superior collicul

a midbrain nucleus that forms part of a subcortical sensory pathway involved in programming fast eye movements

inferior colliculi

a midbrain nucleus that forms part of a subcortical auditory pathway

cerebellum

structure attached to the hindbrain; important for dexterity and smooth execution of movement

pons

part of the hindbrain; a key link between the cerebellum and the cerebrum

medulla oblongata

part of the hindbrain; it regulates vital functions such as breathing, swallowing, heart rate and the wake-sleep cycle

About this deck

By: Ashlie Senko
Textbook:

The Student's Guide to Cognitive Neuroscience, 2nd Edition
Created: 2010-11-02
Size: 30 flashcards
Views: 30

About StudyBlue

“I have used this website for three exams, and I see a huge difference in my test results.”
Naj