Neuropsychology |
The study that investigates the relationship between the brain and behavior, including the cognitive and affective functions, the neural substrates of behavior, and the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of cognitive and behavioral disorders. |
Neuroplasticity |
The brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life, forming new pathways for information to travel. |
Aphasia |
A language disorder that affects a person's ability to communicate. It can occur after a brain injury or stroke and can affect speaking, writing, reading, and understanding language. |
Hypoxia |
A decrease in the oxygen supply to a tissue or organ, which can cause damage or death to brain cells. It can be caused by a variety of factors, such as stroke or cardiac arrest, and can result in cognitive and neurological deficits. |
Frontal lobe |
The front area of the brain responsible for executive functions such as decision-making, planning, problem-solving, and inhibiting inappropriate behavior. |
Hippocampus |
A structure in the brain that plays an important role in memory formation and spatial navigation. |
Amygdala |
A small, almond-shaped structure in the brain that is important for processing emotions, including fear, anger, and pleasure. |
Corpus callosum |
A large bundle of nerve fibers that connects the right and left hemispheres of the brain, allowing communication between them. |
Cerebral cortex |
The outer layer of the brain that is responsible for consciousness, perception, awareness, thought, and voluntary movement. It is divided into four lobes: the frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital lobes. |
Broca's area |
A region of the brain located in the left frontal lobe that is responsible for producing speech. Damage to this area can cause expressive aphasia, which affects the ability to speak fluently. |
Wernicke's area |
A region of the brain located in the left temporal lobe that is responsible for understanding language. Damage to this area can cause receptive aphasia, which affects the ability to understand language. |
Neuron |
A specialized cell in the nervous system that transmits electrical and chemical signals. |
Myelin |
A fatty substance that encases and insulates the axons of neurons, allowing for more efficient transmission of electrical signals. |
Synapse |
The junction between two neurons where information is transmitted from one neuron to another. |
Dopamine |
A neurotransmitter that plays a role in pleasure, reward, motivation, and movement. It is associated with addiction, as well as with movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease. |
Serotonin |
A neurotransmitter that regulates mood, appetite, and sleep. It is associated with depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. |
Acetylcholine |
A neurotransmitter that is involved in learning, memory, and muscle movement. It is associated with Alzheimer's disease, as levels of this neurotransmitter tend to decrease as the disease progresses. |
Glial cells |
Cells in the nervous system that provide support and nourishment to neurons, as well as playing a role in neural communication. |
EEG |
Short for electroencephalogram, a test that detects electrical activity in the brain using electrodes placed on the scalp. It is used to diagnose and monitor conditions such as epilepsy, sleep disorders, and head injuries. |
PET scan |
Short for positron emission tomography, a type of imaging test that uses a radioactive substance (called a radiotracer) to produce images of the brain. It is used to study brain function and to diagnose and monitor conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and cancer. |
MRI |
Short for magnetic resonance imaging, a type of imaging test that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed images of the brain. It is used to diagnose and monitor a variety of conditions, such as stroke, brain tumors, and multiple sclerosis. |