Top 10 Commonly Confused Words in Systems Neuroscience

Top 10 Commonly Confused Words in Systems Neuroscience 1. Synapse vs. Neuron One of the first concepts in systems neuroscience is understanding the difference between a synapse and a neuron. A neuron is a specialized cell that transmits electrical signals, while a synapse is the junction between two neurons where these signals are transmitted. Remember, a neuron is the cell, and a synapse is the connection point. 2. Plasticity vs. Modifiability Plasticity and modifiability are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. Plasticity refers to the brain's ability to change and adapt over time, while modifiability specifically refers to the brain's ability to be modified through external factors or experiences. So, while all modifiability is a form of plasticity, not all plasticity is modifiability. 3. Gray Matter vs. White Matter Gray matter and white matter are two types of tissue in the brain. Gray matter primarily consists of cell bodies, while white matter is made up of axons, which are the long projections of neurons. Think of gray matter as the 'thinking' part of the brain, while white matter is like the 'communication highways' that connect different regions. 4. Action Potential vs. Resting Potential Action potential and resting potential are two states of a neuron's electrical activity. Resting potential is the neuron's baseline, where it's not actively transmitting signals. Action potential, on the other hand, is a brief spike in electrical activity that occurs when a neuron is transmitting a signal. It's like the 'firing' of the neuron.