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- Glossary
Hemiparesis
In medicine, hemiparesis refers to incomplete paralysis of one side of the body. It occurs as a result of damage to the central nervous system, such as that caused by a stroke. Since nerve centers in the right hemisphere of the brain control movement of the extremities on the left side of the body and vice versa, hemiparesis typically occurs on the side of the body opposite to the site of the damage.
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- Glossary
Hemisphere
The cerebrum and cerebellum each consist of two halves – the right and left hemispheres. In the cerebrum, they are connected by three pathways (commissures). The largest commissure is the corpus callosum.
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Inhibition
Neuronal inhibition describes the phenomenon whereby a sender neuron sends an impulse to a receiver neuron, causing the latter's activity to decrease. The most important inhibitory neurotransmitter is GABA.
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Heschl's gyrus
Heschl's gyrus is an area in the temporal lobe that was first described by Richard Heschl in 1855. It is the seat of the primary auditory cortex, i.e., the hearing center in the cerebral cortex.
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Hippocampus
The hippocampus is the largest part of the archicortex and an area in the temporal lobe. It is also an important part of the limbic system. Functionally, it is involved in memory processes, but also in spatial orientation and learning. It comprises the subiculum, the dentate gyrus, and the Ammon's horn with its four fields CA1-CA4. Changes in the structure of the hippocampus due to stress are associated with chronic pain. The hippocampus also plays an important role in the amplification of pain through anxiety.
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Cranial nerve
A group of 12 pairs of nerves that originate directly in the brain, mostly in the brain stem. They are numbered with Roman numerals (I–XII). Unlike the rest, the first and second cranial nerves (olfactory and optic nerves) are not part of the peripheral nervous system, but rather the central nervous system.
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Brain stem
The "trunk" of the brain, to which all other brain structures are "attached," so to speak. From bottom to top, it comprises the medulla oblongata, the pons, and the mesencephalon. It transitions into the spinal cord below. It is a center for vital functions such as breathing and heartbeat and contains ascending and descending pathways between the cerebrum, cerebellum, and spinal cord.
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Histology
Histology is the study of tissue. It involves examining tissue samples. The tissue is processed and stained using various methods and cut into thin sections that can be examined under a microscope.
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- Glossary
Homo economicus
A term from economics describing the idea that people always act according to the maxim of optimizing their own utility. However, the motive is not primarily selfish, but rather rational. This view of human nature contrasts with that of Homo reciprocans, which assumes that people prioritize cooperative behavior.
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- Glossary
Homeostasis
Homeostasis is the ability of an organism to maintain internal conditions such as metabolism, body temperature, blood pressure, etc. at a relatively constant level. The maintenance of homeostasis is controlled by the autonomic nervous system, meaning that humans cannot directly influence its regulation at will.
