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Definitions (136)
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acetylcholine
A critical neurotransmitter that controls functions such as memory, attention, sleep, heart rate, and muscular activity.
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action potential
An electrical charge that travels along the axon to the neuron's terminal, where it triggers the release of a neurotransmitter. This occurs when a neuron is activated and temporarily reverses the [..]
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adenosine
A neurochemical that inhibits wakefulness, serving the purpose of slowing down cellular activity and diminishing arousal. Adenosine levels decrease during sleep.
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adrenal cortex
An endocrine organ that secretes steroid hormones for metabolic functions; for example, in response to stress.
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adrenal medulla
An endocrine organ that secretes epinephrine and norepinephrine in concert with the activation of the sympathetic nervous system; for example, in response to stress.
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agonist
1.) A neurotransmitter, drug, or other molecule that stimulates receptors to produce a desired reaction. 2.) A muscle that moves a joint in an intended direction.
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alzheimer's disease
A major cause of dementia in the elderly, this neurodegenerative disorder is characterized by the death of neurons in the hippocampus, cerebral cortex, and other brain regions. The earliest symptoms o [..]
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amino acid transmitters
The most prevalent neurotransmitters in the brain, these include glutamate and aspartate, which have excitatory actions on nerve cells, and glycine and gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA), which have inhi [..]
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amygdala
A structure in the forebrain that is an important component of the limbic system and plays a central role in emotional learning, particularly within the context of fear.
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amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, ALS causes motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord to disintegrate, resulting in loss of control of voluntary muscle movements such as walking.
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