Glossary

Here you will find all the key concepts and notions of neuroscience. An essential resource for those who would like to better understand the brain and how it works!

Word of the day

Neuron: Basic cell of the nervous tissue, capable of receiving, analysing, reproducing and transmitting information in the form of an electrical or chemical signal.

Action potential :: Transient and rapid change in the electrical potential at the surface of a cell.
Adrenaline (or epinephrine) :: A neurotransmitter secreted in response to stress or related to the preparation of physical activity.
Afferent nerve :: A bundle of nerve fibres (neurons) used to transmit information from the central nervous system to the periphery.
Amygdala :: An almond-shaped structure of the brain located in the pharynx.
Amyloid :: A protein found in the brain and, to a lesser extent, in the bloodstream.
Aphasia :: Language impairment characterized by difficulty expressing or understanding words.
Apoptosis :: Programmed cell death mechanism.
Apraxie :: Disorder characterized by difficulties in performing certain voluntary movements.
Arachnoid mater :: The middle layer of the meninges protecting the central nervous system.
Astrocyte :: A glial cell in the star-shaped brain that protects neurons.
Axone :: Efferent extension of neurons.