Glossary Archive - MindHealth360

Parathyroid glands

Kirkland Newman Smulders — Mon, 26 Nov 2018 11:25:55 +0000

The parathyroid glands are four pea-sized glands found behind the thyroid gland in the neck. They are responsible for producing parathyroid hormone, which controls calcium levels in the blood. When low calcium levels are detected, the parathyroid gland releases parathyroid hormone, which causes our bones to release calcium and our kidneys to reduce calcium lost through urine. Parathyroid hormone can also promote activation of vitamin D, increasing calcium absorption from the gut.You and Your Hormones from the Society for Endocrinology. (2018). Parathyroid glands. [online] Available at: http://www.yourhormones.info/glands/parathyroid-glands/ [Accessed 26 Nov. 2018].

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HPA axis

Kirkland Newman Smulders — Thu, 22 Nov 2018 18:59:44 +0000

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis refers to one of our most crucial stress response systems. When faced with a stressful situation the hypothalamus releases corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) which triggers the pituitary gland to release adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) which triggers the adrenal cortex to release cortisol. Once a certain concentration of cortisol is achieved in response to the stressor, the hypothalamus stops producing CRH and the HPA axis stress response is “turned off”. In addition to present stressful situations, the HPA axis can be activated by something associated with a past stressful situation. This stress response system differs from that of the sympathetic nervous system ‘fight or flight’ response, as it is slower to activate and remains activated over a longer period; however, the two systems do show considerable overlap. Ulrich-Lai, Y.M. and Herman, J.P., 2009. Neural regulation of endocrine and autonomic stress responses. Nature reviews neuroscience, 10(6), p.397. Alschuler, L. (2016). The HPA Axis. [online] Integrative Therapeutics. Available at: https://www.integrativepro.com/Resources/Integrative-Blog/2016/The-HPA-Axis [Accessed 15 Nov. 2018]. Stephens, A. and Wand, G. (2012). Stress and the HPA axis: role of glucocorticoids in alcohol dependence. Alcohol research : current reviews, 34(4), 468-83.

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Neocortex

Kirkland Newman Smulders — Thu, 22 Nov 2018 18:54:28 +0000

The neocortex is a sheet of tissue that forms the outermost layer of the brain and the largest part of the cerebral cortex. It is sometimes called the “primate brain” as it is the area of the brain that has developed considerably in non-human primates and humans compared to other mammals. From an evolutionary perspective it is therefore the most recent addition to our brains. The neocortex is linked to sensory perception, motor commands, spatial reasoning and language; and is also thought to store general knowledge transferred from the hippocampus. The neocortex functions to socialise and control expression of emotions that originate in the limbic system. Queensland Brain Institute. (n.d.). Where are memories stored in the brain? [online] Available at: https://qbi.uq.edu.au/brain-basics/memory/where-are-memories-stored [Accessed 13 Nov. 2018].Baars, B. and Gage, N. (2010). Cognition, Brain, and Consciousness. 2nd ed. Academic Press.

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Reptilian brain

Kirkland Newman Smulders — Thu, 22 Nov 2018 16:58:10 +0000

The reptilian brain (called such because it is made up of the main structures in a reptile’s brain: the brainstem and cerebellum) is the most primitive part of our brain and, in evolutionary terms, it is the oldest part of our brain. It is responsible for instinctive behaviours such as heart rate, temperature, balance, territoriality, mating, feeding and involuntary reflexes such as swallowing, sneezing and gagging. The reptilian brain is reliable but tends to be somewhat rigid and compulsive.The BrainBox. (n.d.). Triune Brain Theory. [online] Available at: http://www.thebrainbox.org.uk/triune_brain_theory/triune_brain_theory.html [Accessed 15 Nov. 2018]. Siim Land. (n.d.). How Your Reptilian Brain Controls Your Behavior. [online] Available at: http://siimland.com/how-your-reptilian-brain-controls-your-behavior/ [Accessed 15 Nov. 2018]. Queensland Brain Institute. (n.d.). The Hindbrain. [online] Available at: https://qbi.uq.edu.au/brain/brain-anatomy/hindbrain [Accessed 19 Nov. 2018]. Baars, B. and Gage, N. (2010). Cognition, Brain, and Consciousness. 2nd ed. Academic Press.

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Progesterone

Kirkland Newman Smulders — Thu, 22 Nov 2018 16:39:06 +0000

Progesterone is a hormone released by the corpus luteum – a temporary gland that the female body produces each cycle after ovulation. It plays an important role in the menstrual cycle and is crucial in maintaining the early stages of pregnancy. Progesterone also enhances the effect of the calming neurotransmitter GABA.Hormone Health Network. (n.d.). Progesterone. [online] Available at: https://www.hormone.org/hormones-and-health/hormones/progesterone [Accessed 18 Oct. 2018]. Smith, S.S., Waterhouse, B.D., Chapin, J.K. and Woodward, D.J. (1987). Progesterone alters GABA and glutamate responsiveness: a possible mechanism for its anxiolytic action. Brain research, 400(2), pp.353-359.

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Hormones

Kirkland Newman Smulders — Thu, 22 Nov 2018 14:41:49 +0000

Hormones are chemical messengers in the body which are produced and secreted by glands in the endocrine system. They play a crucial role in most bodily functions, from simple basic needs like hunger to complex systems like reproduction, and also our emotions and mood.Hormone Health Network. (n.d.). What Are Hormones and What Do They Do?. [online] Available at: https://www.hormone.org/hormones-and-health/hormones/hormones-and-what-do-they-do [Accessed 22 Nov. 2018].

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Neurotransmitters

Kirkland Newman Smulders — Thu, 22 Nov 2018 10:30:22 +0000

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers released by neurons throughout the nervous system, transmitting an impulse from one cell to the next. Neurotransmitters are made in the brain, but also by the bacteria in our gut. Neurotransmitters are either inhibitory (calming), excitatory (stimulating) or modulating (regulating), and this determines the effect they have on the cell they are communicating with.(2017). Neurotransmitter. [online] Encyclopaedia Britannica. Available at: https://www.britannica.com/science/neurotransmitter [Accessed 19 Nov. 2018].Queensland Brain Institute. (n.d.). What are neurotransmitters? [online] Available at: https://qbi.uq.edu.au/brain/brain-physiology/what-are-neurotransmitters [Accessed 19 Nov. 2018]. Carpenter, S. (2012). That gut feeling. American Psychological Association: Monitor On Psychology, [online] 43(8), p.50. Available at: https://www.apa.org/monitor/2012/09/gut-feeling.aspx [Accessed 19 Nov. 2018].

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Neuroplasticity

Kirkland Newman Smulders — Thu, 22 Nov 2018 10:23:31 +0000

Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to form new neural connections throughout life as a way of adapting to new situations or changes in the environment. This is especially important in the case of injury or disease.MedicineNet. (2017). Definition of Neuroplasticity. [online] Available at: https://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=40362 [Accessed 22 Nov. 2018].

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Neurons

Kirkland Newman Smulders — Thu, 22 Nov 2018 10:17:24 +0000

Neurons, also called nerve cells, are the cells responsible for receiving sensory information from the external world, sending motor commands to our muscles, and transforming and relaying electrical signals at every stage in between. We each have roughly 100 billion neurons.Queensland Brain Institute. (n.d.). What is a neuron?. [online] Available at: https://qbi.uq.edu.au/brain/brain-anatomy/what-neuron [Accessed 22 Nov. 2018].

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Hypothalamus

Kirkland Newman Smulders — Thu, 22 Nov 2018 09:50:18 +0000

The Hypothalamus, is part of the limbic system. It is an almond sized part of the brain which links the endocrine system to the nervous system via the pituitary gland. It produces stimulating and inhibiting hormones which start and stop the production of other hormones throughout the body. It is therefore crucial in maintaining homeostasis.Queensland Brain Institute. (n.d.). The limbic system. [online] Available at: https://qbi.uq.edu.au/brain/brain-anatomy/limbic-system [Accessed 13 Nov. 2018]. Sargis, R. M. (2015). An Overview of the Hypothalamus. [online] Endocrine Web. Available at: https://www.endocrineweb.com/endocrinology/overview-hypothalamus [Accessed 13 Nov. 2018].

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