Sometimes it helps to have a few definitions under your belt, especially if the subject may be new. You know these brain neuroanatomy terms already. But, if brain science terms are new to you, or you need a refresher, we've laid out some explanations that may be helpful. 

 

Neuron - (also called a nerve cell) is a type of brain cell that receives, processes, and transmits information through electrical and chemical signals. These signals between neurons occur via specialized connections called synapses. 

Cortex - (meaning "bark" in Latin) is the outer layer of the cerebrum (e.g., the cerebral cortex), composed of gray matter and playing an important role in consciousness.

Gray matter - the darker tissue of the brain and spinal cord, consisting mainly of neurons.

White matter - acts like a highway. It connects different parts of gray matter to each other via axons.

Frontal cortex - (also known as the prefrontal cortex (PFC)) is the cerebral cortex in the front part of the brain. This brain region is in charge of complex cognitive behavior, personality expression, decision making, and moderating social behavior.

Neurotransmitter - a chemical substance that is released at the end of a nerve fiber by the arrival of a nerve impulse and causes the transfer of the impulse to another nerve fiber, a muscle fiber, or some other structure.

Blood-brain barrier - a filtering mechanism of the capillaries that carry blood to the brain and spinal cord tissue, blocking the passage of certain substances.

Madhavi Gupta, MD

Madhavi Gupta, MD

Madhavi Gupta, MD is the founder and CEO of Best Nest Wellness. Dr. Gupta is a board-certified neurologist and has won The People’s Choice Award as a favorite doctor three years in a row. She holds a degree in biochemistry and humanities from MIT, completed her neurology residency in New York City, and completed her fellowship in headache medicine at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital.