Glossary

Acetylcholinesterase

An enzyme that degrades the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Usually found in high concentrations at synapses, and it has a high catalytic activity.

Amyloid Plaques

Abnormal cluster of alluminium and amyloid protein fragments, believed to cause a loss of neurons in the brain. 

Atrophy

The rapid decrease in size of a component due to disease or damage.

Axons

Long structures found on nerve cells used to send information throughout your body. 

Central Nervous System

The nerves and ganglia found within the brain and spinal cord.

Cerebral Cortex

Outer-most layer and consists of a collection of nerves that acts as the main control centre and infrormation processing centre. 

Depression

A common mental illness which makes the sufferer feel extremely sad, hopeless and worthless.

Hyperphosphorylation

When a molecule is completely phosphorylated, when all the phosphorylation sites are occupied.

Microtubules

A component of the cell cytoskeleton, involved in mitosis and vesicular transport.

Mutation

A change in DNA that alters the gene (and therefore the protein) it is encoded in.

Neurofibrillary Tangles

Abnormal protein deposits/filaments found inside neurons in brain cells.

Neurotransmitter

Is a chemical substance that transmits nerve impulses across a synapse, the space between nerve cells.

Peripheral Nervous System

Nerves and ganglia found outside of the brain and spinal cord.