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.

Patent :: A document that grants the monopoly of exploitation of a discovery to its inventor.
Pathology :: The science of studying the causes and symptoms of diseases as a whole.
Pia mater :: Deepest layer of the meninges.
Plasma :: The liquid part of the blood in which the blood cells (red and white blood cells in particular) are immersed.
Plasticity :: The brain's essential ability to adapt dynamically.
Pons :: Central, swollen part of the brain stem.
Positron emission tomography (PET) :: Imaging technique that measures the metabolic activity of a tissue using radioactive compounds.
Prion :: A pathogen that causes degenerative diseases of the nervous system.
Propioception :: The ability of the body to perceive its own position in space, without the need for sight.
Protocol :: A document describing the conditions and conduct of an experiment, test or trial.