Brain structures, neurotransmitters, and neural communication concepts from a college biological psychology course.
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- What is the role of the axon in a neuron?
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Transmits electrical signals away from the cell body to other neurons- What does the dendrite do?
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Receives electrical signals from other neurons- What is the synapse?
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The small gap between the axon terminal of one neuron and the membrane of another- What does the myelin sheath do?
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Insulates the axon and speeds up action potential conduction- Define the resting membrane potential.
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The electrical potential across a neuron's membrane when it is not firing, approximately -70 mV- What is the threshold potential?
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The membrane potential that must be reached to trigger an action potential, approximately -55 mV- What does the cerebral cortex do?
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Processes sensory information, controls voluntary movement, and handles higher cognitive functions- What is the function of the hippocampus?
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Forms new long-term memories and is involved in spatial memory and navigation- What does the cerebellum control?
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Coordination, balance, and motor learning- What is the function of the amygdala?
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Processes emotions, particularly fear and threat detection- What does the thalamus do?
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Relays and processes sensory information to the cortex- What is the role of the nucleus accumbens?
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Processes reward and motivation, involved in pleasure and addiction- What does the brainstem do?
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Controls basic life functions including breathing, heart rate, and sleep-wake cycles- What is the function of the corpus callosum?
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Connects the left and right hemispheres and allows interhemispheric communication- What is an action potential?
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A rapid change in membrane potential that propagates along an axon, allowing neural signaling
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