large protein molecules embedden in the cell's membrane;

each particular type of receptor and its matching neutransmitter fit together like a "lock & key" 

Greek for "tree".

specialized receiving units (like antennae) that collect messages from neighboring neurons & send them on to the cell body 

Greek for "glue"

Functions:

to surround neurons & hold them in place 

to supply nutrients & oxygen to neurons

to absorb toxins & waster materials that would damage or kill neurons 

a whitish, fatty insulation layer that surrounds the axon of many neurons, derived from glial cells during development;

causes action potential to travel faster;

damage -> multiple sclerosis: one's own immune system attacks the myelin sheath 

post-synaptic potentials

a change in the elctrical potential of a neuron that is proportional to the intensity of the incoming stimulation but not sufficient to produce an action potential

a brief shift in the neuron's electrical charge (-70 mV -> +40 mV) that travels down an axon (sprint!) 

the min length of time after an AP during which another AP cannot begin

occurs during repolarization

sodium channels won't open, because the sodium-potassium pumps have not yet moved the sodium back outside the axon 

low levels of ACh

drugs increase ACh activity to improve memory (agonist) 

involved in normal ability to return the brain from high state of arousal back to normal after an anxiety-provoking event

imbalance:

epileptic seizures

anxiety disorders

drugs: valium & xanax (agonists) 

involved in normal motivation/feelings of pleasure, motor control, planning

perform connective or associative functions within the nervous sytem

far outnumber sensory & motor neurons 

division of PNS

conscious sensation & voluntary movement 

(somatic)

carry sensory info from body (sense, organs, skin, gut) to CNS 

(somatic)

carry conscious moto commads from CNS to body 

(PNS)

controls automatic, involuntary gut  & skin functions such as heart rate, digestion, perspiration, getting goosebumps & other types of physiological arousal that happen w/ emotion 

(hindbrain)

regulates vital functions such as breathing & heart rate

damage usually results in death 

(hindbrain? midbrain? a poorly-differentiated area...)

acts as a sentry - alerts highers centers that messages are coming in & either sends them forward or blocks them 

plays a role in consciousness, sleep & attention 

(hindbrain)

Latin "little brain" 

coordinates fine muscle movement (typing, playing an instrument...) & balance

alcohol impacts cerebellum before most other parts of the brain 

(midbrain)

the orienting center: receives info so we can react quickly using the twisting & movement centers elsewhere in the brain system 

(forebrain)

links the nervous system to the endocrine system via the pituitary gland;

Regulation of basic biological drives related to survival - the four F's:            feeding, fighting, fleeing and mating.

Motivation & emotion... also body temp., circadiam rhythms, blood pressure, blood sugar, etc.

the master gland of the body

regulates other endocrine glands that release hormones 

(forebrain)

the sensory switchboard

organizes input from sensory organs & routes them to the appropriate areas of the brain 

(forebrain, limbic system)

forming & retrieving memories 

(forebrain, limbic system)

organizes motivational & emotional responses patterns, particularly those linked to fear & agression 

(forebrain)

We experience pleasure when neurons release dopamine on the nucleus accumbens - "reward centers/circuits" - linked to daily pleasures like eating or addictive drugs like cocaine... 

(forebrain)

crucial for planning & producing, movement - translating thoughts into action

signals from cortex are sent to brainstem 

(cerebral cortex (cerebrum))

executive functions - goal setting, judgment, strategic planning, interprets social cues & impulse control

damage can lead to subtle but important changes in personality & cognitive ability

the primary motor cortex also controls voluntary body movement 

in the frontal lobe

language output (communicating to others)

(frontal lobe)

voluntary body movement 

(temporal lobe)

language input (understanding)

a loss of the ability to produce and/or comprehend language, due to injury to brain areas specialized for these functions.

It is not a result of deafness or muscle paralysis, and it does not necessarily affect intelligence. 

connects the 2 cerebral hemispheres (left & right)

allows information to pass from one to the other