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

Functional imaging: An imaging technique that records the activity of an organ (e.g. the brain) when performing a task, such as moving, reading, answering a question…

Acethylcholine :: Neurotransmitter of the central and peripheral nervous system especially involved in muscle contraction and attention.
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.
Apathy :: Pathological loss of motivation.
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.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) :: A set of computer systems and methods capable of performing tasks that normally require human intelligence.
Astrocyte :: A glial cell in the star-shaped brain that protects neurons.
Autosomal transmission :: Mode of genetic inheritance
Axone :: Efferent extension of neurons.