Introduction to Neuroscience Concepts

The minimum intensity of a stimulus that can be detected 50% of the time.

The smallest noticeable change in the intensity of a stimulus.

A constant proportional relationship between the JND and the original stimulus intensity. The stronger the stimulus, the bigger the change needed to detect a difference.

How we perceive sensory information based on its physical characteristics.

The ability to pay attention to multiple sources of information simultaneously.

The brain constructs a perception of a stimulus based on its individual parts.

Perceptions are influenced by our existing knowledge, expectations, and beliefs.

The tendency for our expectations to influence how we perceive stimuli.

The part of the nervous system that controls voluntary movements and receives information from the body.

The part of the nervous system that controls involuntary functions like breathing, heart rate, and digestion.

The branch of the autonomic nervous system responsible for the 'fight or flight' response during stressful situations.

The branch of the autonomic nervous system responsible for rest, relaxation, and digestion.

The process of converting external stimuli into electrical signals that the brain can understand.

A specialized cell that converts external stimuli into neural activity for a specific sensory system.

The brain's interpretation of raw sensory information.

The gradual decrease in the activation of a sense receptor when a stimulus is continuously present.

A sense of bodily position and movement. It's how you know where your limbs are without looking.

A change in gene function without altering the DNA sequence.

The process of how genes are expressed to create traits.

The extent to which variations in a trait within a population are due to genetics.

The passing of traits from parents to offspring through genes.

The likelihood that two people share the same characteristics.

A research design that compares adopted individuals to both their biological and adoptive parents.

The interaction between genetics and environment in influencing behavior. It sets the limits for how a trait can develop.

A naturally occurring chemical that acts as both a hormone and a neurotransmitter, responsible for pain modulation and inhibiting pain signal transmission to the spinal cord.

The ability of the nervous system to adapt and change in response to experience, learning, and injury.

The process of forming new synapses between neurons, crucial for learning and memory.

The process of eliminating unnecessary synapses to optimize neural efficiency, primarily occurring in early development.

The process of increasing the strength of a synapse, enhancing the likelihood of a postsynaptic neuron firing.

The three layers of protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, providing cushioning and support.

The outermost layer of the brain, responsible for higher cognitive functions, including language, memory, and reasoning.

The front lobe of the brain, responsible for motor control, planning, and higher-level thinking.

A group of nuclei located beneath the cerebral cortex, involved in voluntary movement and reward-based learning.

A set of brain structures involved in emotion, memory, and motivation, connecting the brain to the endocrine system.

The central nervous system (CNS) is made up of the brain and spinal cord. It's like the control center of your body, processing information and sending signals to the rest of your system.

The peripheral nervous system (PNS) consists of all the nerves that extend outward from the brain and spinal cord. It connects the CNS to the rest of the body, like muscles and organs.

Neurons are the basic building blocks of the nervous system. They transmit information throughout your body using electrical signals. Think of them as tiny messengers carrying messages.

Glial cells are supporting cells in the brain. They help neurons function properly by providing structure, nutrients, and insulation.

Dendrites are branching extensions of a neuron that receive information from other neurons. They act like antennas, collecting signals.

The axon is a long, thin fiber that carries signals away from the cell body of a neuron to other neurons. It acts like a cable transmitting information.

The axon terminal is the end of the axon where communication between neurons occurs. It releases chemical messengers called neurotransmitters to stimulate other neurons.

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit information between neurons. They can be excitatory, causing the next neuron to fire, or inhibitory, preventing it from firing.

Acetylcholine (ACh) is a neurotransmitter involved in muscle movement, memory, and learning. It's like a key that unlocks muscle contractions and helps keep things in mind.

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter involved in pleasure, motivation, and movement. It's like a reward system, making us feel good when we achieve something.

Objects that are close together are perceived as a unified group.

Similar objects, like shapes, colors, or sizes, are seen as belonging together.

Objects arranged symmetrically are perceived as a whole, complete unit.

We perceive lines as continuous, even when they're interrupted by another line.

Our brains tend to complete incomplete figures, perceiving them as whole objects.

We naturally separate visual elements into foreground and background, creating a sense of depth.

Our perception of color is based on three primary colors: red, green, and blue.

We perceive color through opposing pairs: red/green, blue/yellow, and black/white.

The inability to perceive certain colors due to genetic differences in cone function.

Our ability to judge distances and perceive objects in three dimensions.