Module 4: "Understanding Axons, Dendrites and Synapse" and "What’s Going On in Your Brain?"

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  1. axon
    long nerve fiber that conducts impulses away from a cell
    Here we have three neuron cells: Axon and Dendrite #1, Axon and Dendrite #2, and Axon and Dendrite #3.
  2. dendrite
    short fiber that conducts toward the cell body of the neuron
    Here we have three neuron cells: Axon and Dendrite #1, Axon and Dendrite #2, and Axon and Dendrite #3.
  3. synapse
    the junction between two neurons
    In childhood, the brain produces many synapses—gaps between nerve cells connected by electrical impulses called neurotransmitters.
  4. impulse
    the electrical discharge that travels along a nerve fiber
    One day, an electrical impulse came down from the brain.
  5. sheath
    an enveloping structure or covering enclosing an organ
    If we had some myelin sheath—why, that would help us work faster and more efficiently.
  6. neural
    of or relating to neurons
    Myelin: Here I am. Did someone order some neural insulation?
  7. prune
    cultivate, tend, and cut back the growth of
    Brain: Yeah, you’re right. Turns out we don’t need you guys. I guess you’ve been pruned.
  8. reckless
    marked by defiant disregard for danger or consequences
    Of course, in the real world, you can't use that excuse to cover reckless behavior.
  9. inclination
    a characteristic likelihood of or natural disposition
    However, it's true that "the brain's inclination for sensation seeking becomes more intense during adolescence," Laurence Steinberg, a professor of psychology at Temple University and an expert on the teenage brain, told Current Health 2.
  10. sensation
    an awareness of some type of stimulation
    However, it's true that "the brain's inclination for sensation seeking becomes more intense during adolescence," Laurence Steinberg, a professor of psychology at Temple University and an expert on the teenage brain, told Current Health 2.
  11. localization
    (physiology) the principle that specific functions have relatively circumscribed locations in some particular part or organ of the body
    In fact, the brain is the only organ that has localization, explains Dr. Nancy L. Kuntz, a consultant in child and adolescent neurology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn; one specific part controls movement, another helps decode vision, and so on.
  12. neurology
    the branch of medicine that deals with the nervous system
    In fact, the brain is the only organ that has localization, explains Dr. Nancy L. Kuntz, a consultant in child and adolescent neurology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn; one specific part controls movement, another helps decode vision, and so on.
  13. regenerate
    replace through the formation of new tissue
    The cool thing, says Steinberg, is that brain cells can actually regenerate, so synapses that have been pruned can be re-formed if your life direction or interests change.
  14. insulate
    surround with material to protect from heat, cold, or noise
    The production of myelin—the white matter that insulates the neurons—is as important as synaptic pruning.
  15. adept
    having or showing knowledge and skill and aptitude
    The more myelin, the faster information is transmitted and the more adept, efficient, and mature your brain becomes.
  16. molecular
    relating to the simplest units of an element or compound
    Amid this molecular stuff, the teenage brain is witnessing other changes.
  17. undermine
    weaken or impair, especially gradually
    Stay away from harmful substances, such as illegal drugs, alcohol, and nicotine. They can harm sensitive cells and undermine natural growth.
  18. solidify
    make firm or more firm
    While you snooze, your brain solidifies all the information it took in during the day, Steinberg says.
Created on Fri Aug 14 13:00:57 EDT 2020 (updated Tue Aug 25 09:40:38 EDT 2020)

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