Process by which neurotransmitters are reabsorbed by the sending terminal bud.

Structure located behind the brainstem that is responsible for muscle coordination and balance; Latin for “little brain.”

A hindbrain structure that helps regulate sleep–wake cycles and coordinate movement between the right and left sides of the body.

The communication system that uses glands to convey messages by releasing hormones into the bloodstream.

An early approach to explaining the functions of the brain by trying to link the physical structure of the skull with a variety of characteristics.

The branch of psychology that focuses on how the brain and other biological systems influence human behavior.

The part of the nervous system that connects the central nervous system to the rest of the body.

Chemical messengers that neurons use to communicate at the synapse.

The brain’s ability to heal, grow new connections, and reorganize in order to adapt to the environment.

The pea-sized gland located in the center of the brain just under the hypothalamus; known as the master gland.

Chemical messengers released into the bloodstream that influence mood, cognition, appetite, and many other processes and behaviors.

A band of tissue toward the rear of the frontal lobes that works with other brain regions to plan and execute voluntary movements.

The building blocks of the nervous system that transmit electrical and chemical signals in the body.

Fatty substance that insulates the axon and speeds the transmission of neural messages.

Part of the endocrine system involved in responses to stress as well as the regulation of salt balance.

Bundles of neurons that carry information to and from the central nervous system; provide communication between the central nervous system and the muscles, glands, and sensory receptors.

The bundle of neurons that allows communication between the brain and the peripheral nervous system, connecting with the body’s muscles, glands, and organs.

The division of the autonomic nervous system that orchestrates the “rest-and-digest” response to bring the body back to a noncrisis mode.

The division of the autonomic nervous system that mobilizes the “fight-or-flight” response to stressful or crisis situations.

The largest part of the brain, includes virtually all parts of the brain except primitive structures; has two distinct hemispheres.

The tiny gap between a terminal bud of one axon and a neighboring dendrite of the next neuron; junction between neurons where communication occurs.

A pair of almond-shaped structures in the limbic system that processes basic emotions, such as fear and aggression, as well as associated memories.

A structure that oversees vital functions, including breathing, digestion, and heart rate.

Neurons specialized for transmitting information from the central nervous system to other parts of the body, such as muscles and glands.

The area of the cortex that receives and processes sensory information such as touch, pressure, temperature, and spatial orientation.

The part of the brainstem involved in levels of arousal; responsible for generating movement patterns in response to sensory input.

The thick band of nerve fibers connecting the right and left cerebral hemispheres; principal structure for information shared between the two hemispheres.

Tiny, branchlike fibers extending from the cell body that receive messages from other neurons and send information in the direction of the cell body.

Cells that support, nourish, and protect neurons; produce myelin that covers axons.

The location where neurotransmitters attach on the receiving side of the synaptic gap.

The wrinkled outermost layer of the cerebrum, responsible for higher mental functions, such as decision making, planning, and processing visual information.

The branch of the peripheral nervous system that controls involuntary processes within the body, such as contractions in the digestive tract and activity of glands.

The region of the neuron that includes protein-producing mechanisms, structures that nourish the cell, and a nucleus containing DNA.

The area of the cortex that organizes information among the other lobes of the brain and is responsible for higher-level cognitive functions and behavior.

A network of neurons running through the midbrain that controls levels of arousal and quickly analyzes sensory information on its way to the cortex.

The study of the brain and nervous system.

A major component of the human nervous system that includes the brain and spinal cord.

A band of tissue running parallel to the motor cortex that receives and integrates sensory information from all over the body.

Neurons that reside exclusively in the brain and spinal cord; act as a bridge connecting sensory and motor neurons.

Includes areas of the brain responsible for fundamental life-sustaining processes.

A structure in the limbic system that processes and relays sensory information to the appropriate areas of the cortex.

A neuron either fires or does not fire; action potentials are always the same strength.

Regions of the cortex that integrate information from all over the brain, allowing us to learn, think in abstract terms, and carry out other intellectual tasks.

A rare procedure used to disconnect the right and left hemispheres by cutting the corpus callosum.

A pair of structures located in the limbic system; primarily responsible for creating new memories.

Skinny tubelike structure of a neuron that extends from the cell body, and which sends messages to other neurons.

Cells responsible for producing new neurons.

An automatic response to a sensory stimulus, such as the “knee-jerk” reaction; a simple pathway of communication from sensory neurons through interneurons in the spinal cord back out through motor neurons.

The generation of new neurons in the brain.

Gland of the endocrine system that regulates the rate of metabolism by secreting thyroxin.

A small structure located below the thalamus that maintains a constant internal environment within a healthy range; helps regulate sleep–wake cycles, sexual behavior, and appetite.

The area of the cortex in the back of the head that processes visual information.

A region of the cortex that plays a pivotal role in language comprehension.

A collection of structures that regulates emotions and basic drives like hunger, and aids in the creation of memories.

The electrical potential of a cell “at rest”; the state of a cell when it is not activated.

The area of the cortex that processes auditory stimuli and language.

The branch of the peripheral nervous system that includes sensory nerves and motor nerves; gathers information from sensory receptors and controls the skeletal muscles responsible for voluntary movement.

Neurons specialized for receiving information about the environment from the sensory systems and transmitting this information to the brain for further processing.

A region of the cortex that is critical for speech production.

The spike in electrical energy that passes through the axon of a neuron, the purpose of which is to convey information.

The idea that each cerebral hemisphere processes certain types of information and excels in certain activities.

Largest part of the brain; includes the cerebral cortex and the limbic system.