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- Glossary
Neurotransmitter
A neurotransmitter is a chemical messenger, an intermediary substance. It is released by the sender neuron at the sites of cell-cell communication and has an excitatory or inhibitory effect on the receiver neuron.
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- Glossary
NMDA receptor
NMDA receptors are specialized receptor channels in the membrane of nerve cells that only open under very specific conditions. First, the neurotransmitter glutamate must bind to the receptor, and second, the receptor needs a cofactor such as glycine or D-serine. In addition, the postsynaptic cell membrane must be depolarized so that the magnesium ion (Mg²⁺) normally located in the channel pore is removed. If these conditions are met, an ion channel opens in the center of the receptor and allows calcium ions (Ca²⁺) in particular, but also sodium ions (Na⁺), to flow into the cell, while potassium ions (K⁺) flow out of the cell. The cell can respond to the influx of calcium in a variety of ways. NMDA receptors enable the brain to modify synaptic connections throughout life. They are crucial for forms of synaptic plasticity such as long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) and thus play a central role in the formation and storage of memory content.
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- Glossary
Non-declarative memory
Non-declarative memory is part of long-term memory. It encompasses automated behaviors, learned skills, and habits that usually occur unconsciously. In contrast to declarative memory, the contents of non-declarative memory are difficult or impossible to express verbally. Non-declarative memory includes procedural learning and priming, among other things.
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- Glossary
Norepinephrine
Along with dopamine and adrenaline, norepinephrine (NE) or sometimes noradrenaline (NA)belongs to the catecholamines. It is produced in cells of the locus coeruleus and in the adrenal medulla and usually has a stimulating effect. Noradrenaline is often associated with stress.
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- Glossary
Nociceptor
Nociceptors are the pain receptors in the body. They respond to sharp stimuli, heat, or chemical stimuli such as acid. In other words, they respond to imminent or actual tissue damage. Noxiceptors are found in almost all tissues in the human body – with one important exception: the brain itself, whose nerve tissue does not contain any noxiceptors.
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- Glossary
Anterior nuclei
This anterior, or front, core group of the thalamus maintains fiber connections with limbic areas, especially the hippocampus and the cingulate gyrus. It is considered an important hub of the limbic system.
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- Glossary
Medial nuclei
The medial thalamic nuclei, especially the mediodorsal nucleus, are located in the medial thalamus and are closely connected to the prefrontal cortex and the limbic system. They are primarily responsible for higher cognitive functions such as planning, attention, and working memory, but are also involved in processing emotions and motivation. In addition, they integrate complex information from different areas of the brain.
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- Glossary
Raphe nuclei
The raphe nuclei are located in the reticular system and are distributed throughout the brain stem. They belong to the ascending reticular activating system (ARAS) and are the site of serotonin production.
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- Glossary
Ventrolateral nuclei
The lower lateral nucleus group of the thalamus is responsible for motor function (movement). It receives inputs from the cerebellum and basal ganglia and has outputs to motor and premotor areas of the cerebral cortex.
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- Glossary
Nucleus
Nucleus, plural nuclei, has two meanings: in cell biology, it refers to the cell nucleus, which contains chromosomes, among other things. In neuroanatomy, it refers to a collection of cell bodies in the nervous system – in the central nervous system as gray matter, in the peripheral nervous system as ganglia.
