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- Glossary
Oscillation
Oscillations occur when many neurons fire in synchronized, rhythmic patterns. These phased fluctuations in neural activity form the basis for measurable signals in the EEG. They reflect the coordinated processing of information in the brain.
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- Glossary
Oxytocin
Oxytocin is a hormone produced in the paraventricular nucleus and supraoptic nucleus of the hypothalamus and released into the blood via the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland. It initiates contractions during childbirth and supports the milk ejection reflex during breastfeeding. It is also released during orgasm. Oxytocin can promote trust and strengthen pair bonding, but recent findings show that its effects are more complex and, in certain contexts, can also promote separation from out-groups.
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- Glossary
Paleocortex
The paleocortex is a phylogenetically very old part of the telencephalon, which together with the olfactory bulb forms the olfactory brain. The paleocortex differs from the isocortex in that it does not have a six-layer structure.
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- Glossary
Pallidum
The "pale nucleus" (pallidum = pale) is classified as part of the basal ganglia due to its functional integration and, in terms of evolutionary development, belongs to the telencephalon. It has an inner (medial) and an outer (lateral) segment, which mainly transmit inhibitory impulses to modulate the activity of other parts of the basal ganglia and thalamus.
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- Glossary
Papilla
The optic nerve leaves the eye at the papilla, the optic disc. Since there are no photoreceptors at this point on the retina, the optic disc creates a blind spot.
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- Glossary
Parahippocampal cortex
The parahippocampal cortex is located next to the hippocampus and is part of the temporal lobe. It processes spatial-visual memory content and appears to be involved in the consolidation of memory content. It receives inputs from numerous polymodal cortical areas, and its outputs go to the hippocampus, amygdala, and striatum.
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- Glossary
Paralimbic cortex
Collective term for all areas of the brain that are closely connected to the limbic system. Anatomically, the orbitofrontal cortex, cingulate gyrus, and insula belong to the paralimbic system, which plays a crucial role in mediating intense emotions. This is particularly true for feelings of fear. Neurologists often find abnormalities in the paralimbic system in the brains of psychopaths.
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- Glossary
Parallel fiber
Parallel fibers are the axons (long fiber-like extensions) of the granule cells in the granular layer of the cerebellar hemispheres. They are so named because they run along the cerebellar gyri. They form synapses with the Purkinje cells.
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- Glossary
Parasocial interaction
A one-sided emotional relationship with a person or fictional character with whom there is no interaction in the real world. Movie and sports stars, characters in novels, AIs or even deceased individuals can be the subject of parasocial relationships. The phenomenon itself is very old. However, with the advent of mass media in the second half of the 20th century, it gained enormous significance.
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- Glossary
Parasympathetic nervous system
The parasympathetic nervous system is part of the vegetative or autonomic nervous system. The latter term refers to the fact that this part of the nervous system is not subject to voluntary control. It controls the activities of most of the internal organs as well as the heartbeat. In contrast to its counterpart, the sympathetic nervous system, the parasympathetic nervous system is most active when the body is at rest. Among other things, it controls digestion and urination. Acetylcholine serves as the messenger substance for signal transmission within the parasympathetic nervous system.
