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

Serotonin: A neurotransmitter involved in mood management and associated with happiness. Often called the “happiness hormone”, serotonin activates or inhibits brain activity depending on the receptor to which it binds. Serotonin is essential for neurons to communicate with each other.

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) carry nerve impulses from sensory receptors (periphery) to the central nervous system.
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.
Autosomal transmission :: Mode of genetic inheritance
Axone :: Efferent extension of neurons.