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- Glossary
Primary somatosensory cortex
Area of the cerebrum where haptic stimuli are processed centrally. Anatomically, the somatosensory cortex is located on the first cerebral gyri behind the central sulcus. This is where afferents from sensory cells throughout the body converge. Neurons that evaluate information from neighboring areas of the body are also located next to each other in the somatosensory cortex. Neuroscientists refer to this as somatotopy.S1 is an important station in pain processing – this is where we become aware of the pain stimulus.
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Primary visual cortex
The part of the occipital lobe whose primary inputs originate from the visual system. According to Brodmann, who originally divided the cerebral cortex into 52 areas in 1909, the primary visual cortex is area 17.
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Priming
Priming refers to the influence of previous experiences on perception, reactions, or memory content. This often involves presenting a stimulus (e.g., a word, image, or symbol), often unconsciously or below the threshold of perception. Although the person is not consciously aware of this stimulus, it affects the processing of subsequent stimuli: for example, reactions become faster or memory content is retrieved more easily.
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Projection neuron
A neuron that transmits information via its axon (long fiber-like extension of nerve cells) from one area to another, distant area, projects.
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Propranolol
A medication for high blood pressure – a beta blocker. Beta blockers prevent the effects of adrenaline and noradrenaline.
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Proprioception
Proprioception is the sense of oneself, or more precisely, the position of one's own limbs and the location of the body in space. It is made possible by certain receptors in muscles, joints, and tendons that constantly send information to the brain. Visual signals and those from the vestibular system are also processed. This enables coordination, balance, and targeted movements without constant visual control.
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Procedural memory
Procedural memory is a form of non-declarative long-term memory. It includes sequences of actions such as riding a bike, playing the piano, or drawing a specific figure.
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Psychosomatics
Psychosomatics examines the effects of emotional and cognitive processes on the body, particularly on the subjective perception of illness. This includes mental health problems with physical consequences, such as eating disorders and hypochondria. After psychologists initially used theoretical models to explain psychosomatic phenomena, the field has also been the subject of scientific research since the mid-20th century. Since 2003, there have been officially recognized specialists in psychosomatic medicine and psychotherapy.
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Pulvinar
The pulvinar is a fairly large nucleus in the posterior thalamus that is connected to many visual centers. It appears to increase the excitability of cells in the visual cortex as soon as a stimulus is noticed. Some studies suggest that the pulvinar may also indirectly support language processing via cortical connections.
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- Glossary
Pupil
The opening in the eye through which light enters. The size of the pupil is determined by the iris and changes reflexively (pupillary reflex). This process of adjusting to the brightness of the environment is called adaptation.
