psych 9a // chapter 3

• Neuroscience is the study of how nerves and cells send and receive information from the brain, body, and spinal cord.
• Neurodiversity refers to an appreciation for the range of differences in brain function among individuals.
• The social model of disability is a perspective that views disability as a result of societal barriers, discrimination, and oppression rather than solely as an individual impairment or deficit.
• The nervous system is a network of neurons running throughout the brain and body.
• A nerve is a collection of neurons carrying signals from the body to the brain.
• Neurons are the cellular building blocks of the brain.
• Motor neurons are one of three classes of neurons, which sends signals to make the body take action; also known as efferent neurons.
• Sensory neurons are one of three classes of neurons, which carries information from the outside world and within the body to the brain; also known as afferent neurons.
• Interneurons are one of three classes of neurons, which connects neurons and interprets, stores, and retrieves information about the world.
• The central nervous system (CNS) is the part of the nervous system that is composed of the brain and spinal cord.
• The spinal cord is the major bundle of nerves, encased in the spine, that connects the body and the brain.
• A spinal reflex is an automatic or “reflexive” movement that does not depend on the brain, in which a person’s sensory, inter, and motor neurons cause a person to react before they even experience pain.
• The peripheral nervous system (PNS) is the part of the nervous system that is composed of the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord, and connects the parts of the body to the brain.
• The somatic nervous system (SNS) is the part of the peripheral nervous system that allows a person to feel external sensations from and control volitional movement of the body.
• The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is the part of the peripheral nervous system that allows a person to feel internal sensations from and control automatic movements of the organs, such as heartbeat.
• The sympathetic nervous system is the division of the autonomic nervous system that acts on blood vessels, organs, and glands in ways that prepare the body for action.
• The parasympathetic nervous system is the division of the autonomic nervous system that acts in ways that return the body to a resting state by counteracting the the sympathetic nervous system.
• The endocrine system is a network of glands that produces and releases hormones into the bloodstream to regulate the body’s activities.
• Hormones are the blood-borne chemicals that travel through the circulatory system, enabling the brain to regulate the body’s activities.
• The hypothalamus is the small region located at the base of the brain which plays a crucial role in regulating many important physiological processes and behaviors, making it a vital structure in the central nervous system.
• The pituitary gland is the master endocrine gland located at the base of the brain below the hypothalamus which, in addition to producing its own hormones, regulates hormone production in other glands.
• The adrenal glands are the endocrine glands located on top of the kidneys which produce a variety of hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol, that are central to the stress response.
• The gut microbiome refers to the diverse community of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microbes, that play a crucial role in maintaining human health and performing essential functions in the body.
• The gut-brain axis is a bidirectional communication system that links the gut microbiome to the central nervous system and plays a role in regulating various physiological processes and behaviors.
• The forebrain is the largest, evolutionarily youngest, and the most complex region of the brain, which is located at the front of the head and can be divided into the neocortex and subcortex.
• The cerebral cortex is the outermost layer of the brain, which is involved in cognitive skills, complex emotions, and complex mental activity.
• The neocortex is the outermost layer of the cerebral cortex, which is involved in higher-order cognitive functions.
• The subcortex includes the structures located beneath the cerebral cortex, which are involved in emotion, memory, and the regulation of motor control.
• The midbrain is the middle region of the brain, which is located between the forebrain and hindbrain, and is involved in sensory processing, motor control, and arousal.
• The hindbrain is the evolutionarily oldest region of the brain, which is located at the back of the brain, and is involved in life-sustaining functions.
• The neocortex is the evolutionarily newest cerebral cortex that is the largest part of the human brain and supports complex functions, including language, thought, problem solving, and imagination.
• A gyrus is a raised fold or ridge on the surface of the cerebral cortex.
• A sulcus is a shallow groove or furrow on the surface of the cerebral cortex.
• The occipital lobe is the lobe that runs along the back portion of the head, which contains the primary visual cortex and is largely devoted to vision.
• The temporal lobe is the lobe that runs alongside the ears, which contains the primary auditory cortex and is responsible for the ability to hear and understand language.
• The parietal lobe is the lobe that runs alongside the head above and behind the ears, which contains the primary somatosensory cortex and supports a map of the body’s skin surface and the sense of touch.
• The frontal lobe is the lobe located in the front of the head, which contains the primary motor cortex and a map of the body’s muscles and is essential for movement and planning.
• The insular lobe is the lobe that is insulated by the overlying cortex, which supports the sense of taste and allows perception of the internal organs.
• Primary sensory areas are the first regions of the cerebral cortex to receive signals from a sensory organ via its sensory nerve.
• The primary motor cortex is the cortex responsible for voluntary movements.