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Definition The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is a part of the peripheral nervous system that controls involuntary bodily functions. These include heart rate, digestion, respiratory rate, urination, and sexual arousal. The ANS works automatically, without cons...

Definition The somatic nervous system (SNS) is a part of the peripheral nervous system responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movements and processing sensory information. It consists of motor neurons that transmit signals from the central nervous system...

Definition The sympathetic nervous system is part of the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily functions. It is responsible for preparing the body to respond to stress or danger, often referred to as the "fight-or-flight" response. When a...

Definition The parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) is part of the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily functions. It is often called the "rest and digest" system because it helps the body relax, conserve energy, and maintain normal func...

Definition Dopamine is a neurotransmitter, which is a type of chemical in the brain that helps transmit signals between neurons. It plays a key role in regulating mood, motivation, and pleasure. Dopamine is often associated with the brain’s reward system and i...

Definition Adrenaline, also known as epinephrine, is a hormone and neurotransmitter produced by the adrenal glands located on top of the kidneys. It plays a crucial role in the body's "fight or flight" response, which prepares the body to react quickly to perc...

Definition Serotonin is a chemical compound in the body that acts as a neurotransmitter, meaning it helps transmit signals between nerve cells. It plays a crucial role in regulating mood, sleep, appetite, and social behavior. Serotonin is primarily found in th...

Definition Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a neurotransmitter, which means it's a chemical that helps transmit signals between nerve cells in the brain. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter, meaning its main role is to reduce or calm activity in the nervou...

Definition Acetylcholine (ACh) is a neurotransmitter, which is a chemical messenger that helps transmit signals between nerve cells in the brain and throughout the nervous system. It plays a crucial role in various functions, including memory, learning, attent...

Definition Glutamate is a type of amino acid that plays a crucial role in the human body, particularly as one of the most important neurotransmitters in the brain. Unlike many other amino acids, glutamate is not directly incorporated into proteins but instead ...

Definition Endorphins are natural chemicals produced in your brain that act as your body’s way of making you feel good or reducing pain. They work by binding to specific receptors in your brain and nervous system, helping to block pain signals and create feeli...

Definition The endocrine system is a network of glands and organs that produce and release hormones—chemical messengers—that travel through the bloodstream to regulate various bodily functions. These hormones control essential processes such as growth, metabol...

Definition A hormone is a chemical messenger produced by glands in the endocrine system that regulates various bodily functions, such as growth, metabolism, mood, and reproduction. Hormones are released into the bloodstream and travel to target cells or organs...

Definition The pituitary gland is a small, pea-sized organ located at the base of the brain. Often called the "master gland," it plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions by producing and releasing hormones. These hormones control growth, rep...

Definition Lateralization refers to how different tasks or functions are divided between the left and right sides of the brain. Each hemisphere specializes in certain activities, allowing us to perform complex actions more efficiently. For example, the left he...

Definition The corpus callosum is a large band of nerve fibers in the brain that connects the two cerebral hemispheres (left and right). It acts as a communication bridge, allowing the hemispheres to share information and work together. This structure is cruci...

Definition The cerebral cortex is the outer layer of the brain, often referred to as the "gray matter" because of its color. It is responsible for higher-order functions such as thinking, reasoning, memory, attention, perception, and controlling voluntary move...

Definition The frontal lobe is one of the four main regions of the brain and is located at the front part of the cerebral cortex, just behind the forehead. It plays a crucial role in higher-order functions such as decision-making, planning, problem-solving, co...

Definition The occipital lobe is one of the four main regions of the brain, located at the back of the cerebral cortex. It is primarily responsible for processing visual information, such as recognizing colors, shapes, and movements. The occipital lobe works c...

Definition The parietal lobe is one of the four main regions of the brain, situated at the top and back of your head. It plays a crucial role in processing sensory information, such as touch, temperature, and pain, allowing you to feel and respond to your envi...