Neuron
Cell tissues responsible for transmitting messages to and from the brain.
Nucleus
Brain of the Neuron
Myelin Sheath
Fatty, insulation, which protects the axon and speeds impulses
Synapse
The space between the axon terminal and the next dendrite.
Neurotransmitters
Chemical messengers sent between the synaptic gap.
Central Nervous System
Consists of the brain, brain stem, and spinal cord.
Motor Neurons
Carry the information from the CNS to the appropriate muscles to carry out behaviors.
Left Hemisphere
Primary functions: verbal, mathematical, analytical
Right Hemisphere
Primary functions: spatial, holistic, visual
Occipital Lobe
Lobe housing the visual centers
Parietal Lobe
Lobe housing the sensory centers
Temporal Lobe
Lobe housing the auditory centers
Frontal Lobe
Lobe responsible for higher cognitive functioning
Pre-frontal cortex
The part of the frontal lobe that is responsible for planning and identifying risk and reward.
Hypothalmus
Controls hunger, thirst, and body temperature.
Thalamus
The relay station for the information from the cortex.
Hippocampus
Important to the formation of new memories.
Medulla Oblongata
Part of the brainstem responsible for breathing, heart rate, and reflexes
Broca's Area
Involved in producing speech, writing, and comprehension
Wernicke's Area
Involved in the understanding of written and spoken language.
Plasticity
The capacity of the nervous system to change its structure and, its function over a lifetime, in reaction to environmental diversity.
Concussion
The most common for of traumatic brain injury.
EEG
A machine used to record the electrical activity of large portions of the brain.
CAT Scan
an imaging technique used to study the brain to pinpoint injuries and brain deterioration.
MRI
A measure used to study brain structure and activity through magnetic impulses.
fMRI
A form of magnetic resonance imaging of the brain that registers blood flow to functioning areas of the brain.
Endocrine System
A system responsible for the release of hormones into the blood stream.
Hormones
Chemical messengers, mostly those manufactured by the endocrine glands, that are produced in one tissue and affect another.
Occipital Lobe
Parietal Lobe
Frontal Lobe
Temporal Lobe
Cerebellum
Sensory Cortex
Motor Cortex