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1. Glossary

Supplementary motor area

Area of the association motor cortex in the frontal lobe that is involved in movement planning and the organization of movement sequences.

1. Glossary

Sympathetic nervous system

Part of the autonomic nervous system, whereby the sympathetic nervous system primarily transmits excitatory impulses – in contrast to its counterpart, the parasympathetic nervous system. For example, the sympathetic nervous system activates respiration, the heart, and circulation, but it also affects the smooth muscles of all internal organs. The sympathetic nervous system uses the neurotransmitters acetylcholine and norepinephrine.

1. Glossary

Synapse

A synapse is a connection between two neurons and serves as a means of communication between them. It consists of a presynaptic region – the terminal button of the sender neuron – and a postsynaptic region – the region of the receiver neuron with its receptors. Between them lies the synaptic cleft.

1. Glossary

Synaptic depression

Weakening of signal transmission at a synapse due to reduced neurotransmitter release or decreased receptor sensitivity; occurs, for example, with repeated stimulation (habituation).

1. Glossary

Synesthesia

Synesthesia is the linking of two or more sensory perceptions to form a subjective sensation. For example, a synesthete might always associate the number seven with the color red. Synesthesia appears to have a hereditary component, but it can also be caused by illness (e.g., schizophrenia) or drugs (e.g., hallucinogens).

1. Glossary

Tau protein

Tau proteins are particularly prevalent in the central nervous system. Their function is to stabilize microtubules – the structures that give cells their shape and support. Under certain circumstances, enzymes attach too many phosphate groups to tau proteins. As a result, the proteins are no longer broken down properly and form toxic aggregates within the neurons. Alongside senile plaques, aggregated tau proteins are considered a classic hallmark of Alzheimer's disease.

1. Glossary

Tegmentum

Tegmentum (from the Latin "tegere," meaning "to cover"). This is the ventral part of the midbrain located beneath the aqueduct. It contains nuclei such as the substantia nigra, the reticular formation, the cranial nerve nuclei, and the red nucleus.

1. Glossary

Tectorial membrane

The tectorial membrane is a gelatinous layer into which the cilia of the outer hair cells protrude. The shear movements caused by sound between the basilar membrane and the tectorial membrane are registered by the cilia.

1. Glossary

Temporal lobe

The temporal lobe is one of the four lobes of the cerebrum and is located laterally (on the side) at the bottom. It contains important areas such as the auditory cortex and parts of Wernicke's area, as well as areas for higher visual processing; deep within it lies the medial temporal lobe with structures such as the hippocampus.

1. Glossary

Temporo-parietal junction

The transition between the temporal and parietal lobes – i.e., the temporal and parietal lobes – of the cerebral cortex. Here, in the posterior region of the Sylvian fissure, information from the limbic system, the thalamus, and the visual, auditory, and somatosensory cortex is integrated. Accordingly, the temporo-parietal junction forms an anatomical and functional hub of the brain that helps us develop complex abilities, including the ability to recognize biological movement or the ability to empathize with other people.