Neurophysiology and Pathways
Expert-defined terms from the Certificate Programme in Neurological Counseling course at LearnUNI. Free to read, free to share, paired with a professional course.
Ablation refers to the removal or destruction of a part of the brain, which can… #
The effects of ablation can vary depending on the location and extent of the removal. Ablation can be used to treat conditions such as epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Related terms include lesion and neurosurgery.
Absolute refractory period is the time during which a neuron is unable to genera… #
This period is critical for the proper functioning of the nervous system. The absolute refractory period is due to the inactivation of sodium channels and the activation of potassium channels.
Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in the transmis… #
It is released by the terminal ends of neurons and binds to receptors on the surface of other neurons, muscle cells, or gland cells. Acetylcholine is involved in many functions, including muscle contraction, memory formation, and regulation of the autonomic nervous system.
Action potential is the electrical impulse that travels along the length of a ne… #
It is generated by a rapid change in the electrical properties of the neuron's membrane, resulting in a depolarization of the membrane. The action potential is essential for the transmission of nerve impulses and is regulated by the movement of ions across the membrane.
Adenosine is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in the regulation of sl… #
It is released by neurons in the brain and binds to receptors on the surface of other neurons, inhibiting the release of other neurotransmitters. Adenosine is also involved in the regulation of the cardiovascular system and metabolism.
Afferent neuron is a type of neuron that carries sensory information from the <i… #
Afferent neurons are responsible for transmitting information about touch, temperature, pain, and other sensory stimuli. They play a critical role in our ability to perceive and respond to the world around us.
Alpha motor neuron is a type of neuron that plays a key role in the contr… #
Alpha motor neurons are responsible for transmitting signals from the central nervous system to skeletal muscles. They are involved in the regulation of muscle tone, contraction, and relaxation.
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects <… #
It is characterized by the accumulation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain, leading to the death of neurons and a decline in cognitive function. Alzheimer's disease is a major public health concern and is the most common cause of dementia.
Amygdala is a structure in the temporal lobe that plays a critical role i… #
The amygdala is involved in the detection of threats, the regulation of fear and anxiety, and the formation of emotional memories. The amygdala is also involved in the modulation of the autonomic nervous system.
Anesthesia is a state of unconsciousness induced by the administration of… #
Anesthesia can be used to prevent pain and discomfort during medical procedures. There are different types of anesthesia, including local, regional, and general anesthesia.
Anion is a negatively charged ion that plays a role in the regulat… #
Anions such as chloride and bicarbonate are involved in the regulation of the resting membrane potential and the generation of action potentials.
Anticholinergic is a type of drug that blocks the action of acetylcholine #
Anticholinergic drugs can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including parkinsonism, gastrointestinal disorders, and respiratory disorders. Anticholinergic drugs can have side effects such as dry mouth, constipation, and confusion.
Antidepressant is a type of drug that is used to treat depression and oth… #
Antidepressants can work by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. Antidepressants can have side effects such as nausea, headache, and insomnia.
Aphasia is a disorder of language processing that can result from brai… #
Aphasia can affect an individual's ability to understand and produce spoken and written language. There are different types of aphasia, including expressive aphasia, receptive aphasia, and global aphasia.
Apraxia is a disorder of motor planning that can result from brain … #
Apraxia can affect an individual's ability to perform voluntary movements, such as walking, talking, and writing. There are different types of apraxia, including limb apraxia, articulatory apraxia, and construction apraxia.
Astrocyte is a type of glial cell that plays a supportive role in the cen… #
Astrocytes are involved in the regulation of the extracellular environment, the supply of nutrients and oxygen to neurons, and the removal of waste products.
Ataxia is a disorder of motor coordination that can result from brain<… #
Ataxia can affect an individual's ability to walk, stand, and perform other voluntary movements. There are different types of ataxia, including cerebellar ataxia, sensory ataxia, and vestibular ataxia.
Auditory nerve is a bundle of nerve fibers that carries sound info… #
The auditory nerve is involved in the transmission of sound signals and the processing of auditory information.
Autonomic nervous system is a branch of the nervous system that regula… #
The autonomic nervous system is divided into two subdivisions: the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system.
Axon is a long, thin extension of a neuron that carries nerve impu… #
Axons are responsible for transmitting information from one neuron to another or to a muscle cell or gland cell.
Basal ganglia are a group of structures in the brain that play a criti… #
The basal ganglia are involved in the control of voluntary movements, the regulation of muscle tone, and the modulation of the autonomic nervous system.
Blood #
brain barrier is a specialized barrier that separates the brain from the bloodstream. The blood-brain barrier is responsible for regulating the flow of substances into and out of the brain, and it plays a critical role in maintaining the health and function of the brain.
Brain #
derived neurotrophic factor is a protein that plays a critical role in the growth, survival, and differentiation of neurons. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor is involved in the regulation of synaptic plasticity and the formation of memories.
Broca's area is a region in the frontal lobe that plays a critical … #
Broca's area is involved in the production of speech, the regulation of articulation, and the modulation of language processing.
Calcium channel is a type of ion channel that plays a critical role in th… #
Calcium channels are involved in the influx of calcium ions into the neuron, which can trigger the release of neurotransmitters and the generation of action potentials.
Cerebellum is a structure in the brain that plays a critical role… #
The cerebellum is involved in the coordination of voluntary movements, the regulation of muscle tone, and the modulation of the autonomic nervous system.
Cerebral cortex is the outermost layer of the brain that plays a criti… #
The cerebral cortex is divided into different regions, each with distinct functions and connections.
Cerebrospinal fluid is a clear fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal… #
Cerebrospinal fluid plays a critical role in the cushioning of the brain, the regulation of pressure, and the removal of waste products.
Cholinergic is a type of neuron that releases the neurotransmitter acetyl… #
Cholinergic neurons are involved in the regulation of muscle contraction, the modulation of the autonomic nervous system, and the formation of memories.
Circadian rhythm is a daily cycle of physiological processes that is r… #
The circadian rhythm is involved in the regulation of sleep-wake cycles, the release of hormones, and the modulation of metabolic processes.
Cognitive function is a set of mental processes that include attention, <… #
Cognitive function is critical for everyday activities, and it can be impaired by a variety of neurological and psychiatric disorders.
Conditioning is a type of learning in which a neutral stimulus is paired… #
Conditioning can be used to modify behavior, and it is involved in the formation of memories and the regulation of emotional responses.
Conduction velocity is the speed at which an action potential travels alo… #
Conduction velocity is regulated by the properties of the neuron's membrane and the myelination of the axon.
Cortical column is a vertical column of neurons in the cerebral cortex th… #
Cortical columns are involved in the detection of specific features of sensory stimuli and the transmission of information to other areas of the brain.
Cranial nerve is a bundle of nerve fibers that emerges from the brain and… #
There are 12 pairs of cranial nerves, each with distinct functions and connections.
Dendrite is a branching extension of a neuron that receives synaptic</… #
Dendrites are involved in the integration of synaptic signals and the regulation of neuronal excitability.
Dentate gyrus is a structure in the hippocampus that plays a critical<… #
The dentate gyrus is involved in the generation of new neurons and the regulation of synaptic plasticity.
Depolarization is a change in the electrical properties of a neuron that… #
Depolarization can trigger the generation of an action potential and is involved in the regulation of neuronal excitability.
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a critical role in the r… #
Dopamine is involved in the modulation of the autonomic nervous system and the regulation of cognitive functions.
Efferent neuron is a type of neuron that carries motor signals from the c… #
Efferent neurons are responsible for transmitting information that regulates voluntary movements and involuntary functions.
Electroencephalogram is a test that measures the electrical activity of t… #
Electroencephalogram is used to diagnose and monitor neurological disorders such as epilepsy and seizures.
Embryonic development is the process by which the nervous system develops… #
Embryonic development is critical for the formation of the brain and spinal cord, and it is involved in the generation of neurons and glial cells.
Endorphin is a type of neurotransmitter that plays a critical role… #
Endorphins are involved in the modulation of the autonomic nervous system and the regulation of cognitive functions.
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that is characterized by seizures<… #
Epilepsy can be treated with medications, surgery, or other therapies.
Excitation is a change in the electrical properties of a neuron that resu… #
Excitation is involved in the regulation of neuronal excitability and the transmission of information.
Excitatory neurotransmitter is a type of neurotransmitter that increases … #
Excitatory neurotransmitters such as glutamate and aspartate are involved in the regulation of neuronal excitability and the transmission of information.
Facilitation is a process by which the strength of a synaptic conn… #
Facilitation is involved in the regulation of learning and memory, and it is critical for the formation of new connections between neurons.
Fibroblast is a type of glial cell that plays a supportive role in the pe… #
Fibroblasts are involved in the production of connective tissue and the regulation of the extracellular environment.
Glia is a type of non #
neuronal cell that plays a supportive role in the nervous system. Glia are involved in the regulation of the extracellular environment, the supply of nutrients and oxygen to neurons, and the removal of waste products.
Glutamate is a type of excitatory neurotransmitter that plays a critic… #
Glutamate is involved in the modulation of the autonomic nervous system and the regulation of cognitive functions.
Golgi cell is a type of interneuron that plays a critical role in the reg… #
Golgi cells are involved in the modulation of the autonomic nervous system and the regulation of cognitive functions.
Gray matter is a region of the brain that contains a high concentration o… #
Gray matter is involved in the processing of sensory information, the regulation of movement, and the modulation of cognitive functions.
Hippocampus is a structure in the temporal lobe that plays a critical<… #
The hippocampus is involved in the generation of new neurons and the regulation of synaptic plasticity.
Hyperpolarization is a change in the electrical properties of a neuron th… #
Hyperpolarization is involved in the regulation of neuronal excitability and the transmission of information.
Hypothalamus is a structure in the diencephalon that plays a critical<… #
The hypothalamus is involved in the modulation of the autonomic nervous system and the regulation of cognitive functions.
Inhibition is a process by which the activity of a neuron is decre… #
Inhibition is involved in the regulation of neuronal excitability and the transmission of information.
Inhibitory neurotransmitter is a type of neurotransmitter that decreases … #
Inhibitory neurotransmitters such as GABA and glycine are involved in the regulation of neuronal excitability and the transmission of information.
Interneuron is a type of neuron that plays a critical role in the regulat… #
Interneurons are involved in the modulation of the autonomic nervous system and the regulation of cognitive functions.
Ion channel is a protein that plays a critical role in the regulat… #
Ion channels are involved in the influx and efflux of ions across the neuronal membrane, and they are critical for the generation of action potentials.
Kainate receptor is a type of ionotropic receptor that plays a critical r… #
Kainate receptors are involved in the modulation of the autonomic nervous system and the regulation of cognitive functions.
Lateral inhibition is a process by which the activity of a neuron… #
Lateral inhibition is involved in the regulation of neuronal excitability and the transmission of information.
Learning is a process by which the nervous system adapts to new ex… #
Learning is involved in the formation of new connections between neurons and the regulation of cognitive functions.
Ligand is a molecule that binds to a receptor and triggers a respo… #
Ligands can be neurotransmitters,
Limbic system is a network of brain structures that plays a critical</… #
The limbic system is involved in the modulation of the autonomic nervous system and the regulation of cognitive functions.
Long #
term depression is a process by which the strength of a synaptic connection is decreased over a long period of time. Long-term depression is involved in the regulation of learning and memory, and it is critical for the elimination of unnecessary connections between neurons.
Long #
term potentiation is a process by which the strength of a synaptic connection is increased over a long period of time. Long-term potentiation is involved in the regulation of learning and memory, and it is critical for the formation of new connections between neurons.
Magnetic resonance imaging is a technique that uses magnetic field… #
Magnetic resonance imaging is used to diagnose and monitor neurological disorders such as stroke and brain tumors.
Medulla oblongata is a structure in the brainstem that plays a critica… #
The medulla oblongata is involved in the modulation of the autonomic nervous system and the regulation of cognitive functions.
Memory is a process by which the nervous system stores and retr… #
Memory is involved in the formation of new connections between neurons and the regulation of cognitive functions.
Microglia is a type of glial cell that plays a critical role in the re… #
Microglia are involved in the regulation of the immune system and the modulation of the autonomic nervous system.
Mitochondria is a organelle that plays a critical role in the g… #
Mitochondria are involved in the production of ATP and the regulation of the neuronal metabolism.
Motor control is a process by which the nervous system regulates v… #
Motor control is involved in the integration of sensory information, the planning of movements, and the execution of motor commands.
Motor neuron is a type of neuron that plays a critical role in the regula… #
Motor neurons are involved in the transmission of signals from the central nervous system to muscles or glands.
Multiple sclerosis is a neurological disorder that is characterized by <b… #
Multiple sclerosis can be treated with medications, rehabilitation, and other therapies.
Muscle spindle is a receptor that plays a critical role in the reg… #
Muscle spindles are involved in the modulation of the autonomic nervous system and the regulation of motor control.
Myelin is a fatty substance that surrounds the axon and plays a critic… #
Myelin is involved in the regulation of the conduction velocity of action potentials and the modulation of the autonomic nervous system.
Myelination is a process by which the axon is surrounded by a myelin</… #
Myelination is involved in the regulation of the conduction velocity of action potentials and the modulation of the autonomic nervous system.
Neocortex is a region of the brain that plays a critical role in t… #
The neocortex is involved in the integration of sensory information, the planning of movements, and the execution of motor commands.
Neurodegeneration is a process by which neurons are damaged or … #
Neurodegeneration can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetic mutations, environmental toxins, and infectious agents.
Neurogenesis is a process by which new neurons are generated in th… #
Neurogenesis is involved in the formation of new connections between neurons and the regulation of cognitive functions.
Neurological disorder is a condition that affects the nervous syst… #
Neurological disorders can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetic mutations, environmental toxins, and infectious agents.
Neuromodulator is a type of neurotransmitter that plays a critical … #
Neuromodulators such as serotonin and dopamine are involved in the regulation of mood, motivation, and appetite.
Neuron is a type of cell that plays a critical role in the transmi… #
Neurons are involved in the integration of sensory information, the planning of movements, and the execution of motor commands.
Neuroplasticity is a process by which the nervous system adapts to… #
Neuroplasticity is involved in the formation of new connections between neurons and the regulation of cognitive functions.
Neurotransmitter is a type of chemical that plays a critical role… #
Neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine, dopamine, and serotonin are involved in the regulation of mood, motivation, and appetite.
Norepinephrine is a type of neurotransmitter that plays a critical … #
Norepinephrine is involved in the modulation of the autonomic nervous system and the regulation of cognitive functions.
Nucleus is a structure in the cell that contains the genetic mater… #
The nucleus is involved in the regulation of gene expression and the production of proteins.
Oligodendrocyte is a type of glial cell that plays a critical role in the… #
Oligodendrocytes are involved in the regulation of the conduction velocity of action potentials and the modulation of the autonomic nervous system.
Parkinson's disease is a neurological disorder that is characterized by <… #
Parkinson's disease can be treated with medications, surgery, and other therapies.
Pons is a structure in the brainstem that plays a critical role in… #
The pons is involved in the modulation of the autonomic nervous system and the regulation of cognitive functions.
Postsynaptic neuron is a type of neuron that receives synaptic inp… #
Postsynaptic neurons are involved in the integration of sensory information, the planning of movements, and the execution of motor commands.
Presynaptic neuron is a type of neuron that releases neurotransmitters… #
Presynaptic neurons are involved in the transmission of information between neurons and the regulation of cognitive functions.
Purkinje cell is a type of neuron that plays a critical role in th… #
Purkinje cells are involved in the integration of sensory information, the planning of movements, and the execution of motor commands.
Receptor is a protein that plays a critical role in the detection… #
Receptors are involved in the regulation of neuronal excitability and the transmission of information.
Reflex is a type of automatic response to a stimulus that is media… #
Reflexes are involved in the regulation of motor control, the protection of the body, and the maintenance of homeostasis.
Resting potential is the voltage difference across the neuronal membrane… #
The resting potential is critical for the regulation of neuronal excitability and the transmission of information.
Reticular formation is a network of neurons in the brainstem that plays a… #
The reticular formation is involved in the modulation of the autonomic nervous system and the regulation of cognitive functions.
Sensory neuron is a type of neuron that plays a critical role in t… #
Sensory neurons are involved in the transmission of information from sensory receptors to the central nervous system.
Serotonin is a type of neurotransmitter that plays a critical role… #
Serotonin is involved in the modulation of the autonomic nervous system and the regulation of cognitive functions.
Spinal cord is a structure that extends from the base of the brain to the… #
The spinal cord is involved in the transmission of information between the brain and the rest of the body.
Stroke is a condition in which the blood supply to the brain is <i… #
Stroke can be treated with