A–Z • 3,600 Essential Terms

Neuroscience Dictionary

A Comprehensive Guide to 3,600 Essential Terms with Easy Definitions and Examples

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Preface / Introduction

The human brain is often described as the most complex structure in the known universe. It contains billions of neurons, trillions of connections, and an infinite potential for thought, memory, behavior, and emotion. Understanding this intricate organ is not only the focus of modern neuroscience but also a key step toward improving health, learning, and human potential.

This book, Neuroscience Dictionary: A Comprehensive Guide to 3,600 Essential Terms with Easy Definitions and Examples, was created with a simple vision: to make the language of neuroscience accessible to everyone—students, professionals, and curious minds alike.

The 3,600 terms included here were carefully selected to cover the most commonly used vocabulary across neuroscience, psychology, psychiatry, neurology, and related life sciences—avoiding rare or outdated jargon. May this dictionary serve as a bridge, helping you connect concepts more clearly and inspiring further exploration of the incredible science of the brain.

Sample Words

A quick look at the format: Word (pronunciation) → short definition → simple example.

Attention (uh-TEN-shun)
Focusing mental resources on a task or stimulus.
Example: You use attention to follow a lecture and ignore hallway noise.
Amygdala (uh-MIG-duh-luh)
Almond-shaped brain region that helps process emotion.
Example: The amygdala activates when you feel fear during a scary video.
Axon (AK-son)
Long fiber that sends electrical signals to other cells.
Example: Pain from your finger travels along axons to the spinal cord.
Brainstem (BRAYN-stem)
Lower brain region controlling breathing, heart rate, and arousal.
Example: The brainstem keeps you alive while you sleep.
Cognitive Flexibility (KOG-nih-tiv fleks-ih-BIL-ih-tee)
Ability to switch strategies or perspectives.
Example: You use cognitive flexibility when changing your study plan after new feedback.
Dopamine (DOH-puh-meen)
Neurotransmitter involved in motivation and reward.
Example: Dopamine spikes when you achieve a goal you’ve worked toward.
Hippocampus (hip-oh-KAM-pus)
Brain structure important for forming new memories.
Example: The hippocampus helps you remember a new friend’s name.
Myelin (MY-uh-lin)
Fatty coating that speeds up nerve signals.
Example: Myelin lets signals race along axons like insulation on a wire.
Neuroplasticity (nyur-oh-plas-TISS-ih-tee)
The brain’s ability to change with experience.
Example: Practicing piano daily strengthens connections through neuroplasticity.
Synapse (SIN-apps)
Junction where one neuron communicates with another.
Example: Learning a new word strengthens synapses in language circuits.
Thalamus (THAL-uh-mus)
Relay center that routes sensory information to the cortex.
Example: The thalamus sends sound information to areas that understand speech.
Working Memory (WUR-king MEM-uh-ree)
Short-term storage for information you’re using right now.
Example: You rely on working memory to compare prices while shopping.