Neurogenesis is the process by which new neurons are generated from neural stem cells. This occurs primarily in specific brain regions, such as the hippocampus, and plays a key role in learning, memory, and brain plasticity.

Neuroimmunology is an interdisciplinary field that investigates the interactions between the nervous system (neurology) and the immune system (immunology), exploring the role of immune responses in neurological disorders and the nervous system’s influence on immune function.

Neuroinflammation denotes the localized inflammation in the brain or nervous system triggered by diverse stimuli, including injury, infection, chronic diseases, and poor dietary habits characterized by excessive consumption of processed foods, saturated fats, and sugars. This process involves immune cells and molecules and may harm neural tissue.

Neuromarketing is a marketing technique that employs sensory stimuli, such as music, visual imagery, and color, to elicit subconscious emotional responses that influence consumer behavior. This approach leverages neuroscience to shape perceptions and drive purchasing decisions, often without consumers’ conscious awareness.

Neurons, also known as nerve cells, are the basic building blocks of the nervous system. They are specialized cells that process and transmit information through electrical impulses. Neurons play a central role in all brain and nervous system functions, including thinking, feeling, and controlling bodily functions.

Neuropeptide Y is a peptide neurotransmitter in the brain that stimulates hunger and increases food intake. It is associated with promoting appetite.

Neuropeptides are a class of signaling molecules produced in the nervous system and other tissues throughout the body. They are typically larger and more complex than neurotransmitters and are made up of chains of amino acids. Neuropeptides can act as neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, or hormones and can have a wide range of effects on cells and tissues of the body (Holzer et al., 2012).

Neuroplasticity, often called brain plasticity, is the capacity of the brain to reorganize and adapt by forming new neural connections throughout life. This is essential for learning, memory, and the brain’s ability to recover from injuries or adapt to new experiences.

Neuropods are specialized extensions of certain enteroendocrine cells (EECs) in the gut that form direct synaptic connections with vagal afferent neurons. Unlike traditional hormone-based signaling, neuropods use rapid neurotransmission, primarily via glutamate, to relay nutrient information to the brain within milliseconds. This allows the brain to detect and respond to caloric content in real time, influencing appetite, food preference, and reward-driven eating behavior.

In Nutritional Psychology, this term refers to the nutritional mechanisms and strategies that aim to protect the nervous system.