The brainstem is the stalk-like lower part of the brain that connects the main brain (cerebrum) to the spinal cord. It sits at the base of the skull, just above the spinal cord, and is considered part of the central nervous system (CNS).| Simply Psychology
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter in the brain associated with pleasure, reward, motivation, and motor control. In psychology, it's linked to feelings of gratification and is implicated in mood disorders, addiction, and certain behaviors when its levels are imbalanced.| Simply Psychology
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by persistent, unwanted thoughts, urges, or images (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) that an individual feels driven to perform to relieve anxiety or distress caused by these obsessions.| Simply Psychology
In psychology, the hippocampus is a crucial structure within the brain's medial temporal lobe. It plays a vital role in forming and retrieving memories, spatial navigation, and emotional responses. Damage to the hippocampus can lead to memory impairments and difficulty forming new memories, highlighting its importance in learning and cognition.| Simply Psychology
Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that play a vital role in how your brain and body communicate. They affect everything from your mood and memory to your heartbeat and breathing.| Simply Psychology
The Central Nervous System (CNS) consists of the brain and spinal cord. It acts as the body's control center, processing sensory information and directing responses. The CNS coordinates both voluntary activities, like movement, and involuntary ones, such as breathing and heartbeat.| Simply Psychology
General Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a chronic condition characterized by excessive, long-lasting worry and fear about everyday situations. It often involves tension, restlessness, and physical symptoms such as rapid heart rate.| Simply Psychology
The limbic system is a complex set of brain structures involved in emotion, motivation, memory, and behavior regulation. Key components include the amygdala, hippocampus, thalamus, hypothalamus, basal ganglia, and cingulate gyrus. It's central to emotional processing, memory formation, and various autonomic functions, bridging higher cognitive processes and primal emotions.| Simply Psychology
A neuron is a nerve cell that processes and transmits information through electrical and chemical signals in the nervous system. Neurons consist of a cell body, dendrites (which receive signals), and an axon (which sends signals). Synaptic connections allow communication between neurons, facilitating the relay of information throughout the body.| Simply Psychology