Dendrites are specialized to receive electrical signals from other neurons. Their branched structures maximize the surface area available for synaptic contacts.

Neurotransmitters act as chemical messengers between neurons. They are essential for transmitting signals across synapses, ensuring proper communication in the nervous system.

The cerebellum is primarily responsible for coordinating movement and maintaining balance. Its involvement in fine-tuning motor activity is critical for smooth, coordinated actions.

The hippocampus plays a critical role in converting short-term memory into long-term memory. Its function is essential for proper memory formation and recall.

An action potential begins when the depolarization of the neuron reaches a critical threshold. This event triggers a rapid influx of ions through voltage-gated channels, leading to the propagation of the impulse.

The depolarization phase is mainly driven by the influx of sodium ions. When voltage-gated sodium channels open, sodium ions rush into the cell, triggering the action potential.

Calcium ions are essential for the release of neurotransmitters at the synapse. Their entry into the presynaptic terminal prompts vesicles to fuse with the membrane, releasing neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft.

The central nervous system is made up of the brain and spinal cord. In contrast, the peripheral nervous system includes all the nerves that branch out from the CNS to the rest of the body, making this a key anatomical and functional distinction.

Brain lateralization means that each hemisphere is specialized for certain functions. For instance, the left hemisphere is often linked to language processing while the right is more involved with spatial and creative tasks.

Acetylcholinesterase is the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft. This rapid degradation prevents continuous stimulation of the postsynaptic neuron and is vital for proper neural signal regulation.

Astrocytes play a crucial role in maintaining the blood-brain barrier. They also support neuronal function by regulating the chemical environment of the brain.

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) measures brain activity by detecting blood flow changes associated with neuronal activation. This method provides insights into which brain regions are active during specific tasks.

Neuroplasticity is the brain's remarkable ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. This capacity is essential for learning, memory, and recovering from injury.

Frontal lobe dementia significantly impairs executive functions such as decision-making and planning. The degeneration in the frontal regions of the brain is responsible for the cognitive deficits observed.

Alzheimer's disease is linked to genetic mutations including those in the amyloid precursor protein (APP) gene. These mutations contribute to abnormal protein processing and the formation of amyloid plaques.

LTP and LTD are fundamental mechanisms that modulate synaptic strength. LTP increases synaptic efficacy, whereas LTD decreases it, collectively contributing to learning and memory processes.

Astrocytes provide structural and metabolic support, including maintaining the blood-brain barrier. In contrast, oligodendrocytes are specialized for producing the myelin sheath that insulates axons in the CNS.

The basal ganglia do not directly trigger movement but instead fine-tune motor commands. This modulation helps in the smooth execution and regulation of movement.

The prefrontal cortex is critical for higher-order cognitive processes, including decision-making and planning. It integrates various types of information to support complex, goal-directed behavior.

The Wisconsin Card Sorting Test challenges subjects to adapt to new rules, thereby evaluating cognitive flexibility. This ability to shift strategies is largely governed by the frontal lobe, making the test a valuable tool for assessing executive function.