9% Neuroanatomy and Neuroplasticity (EBIG chapters 2 and 3) Flashcards
Describe the anatomy of the spinal cord
Functions of the spinal cord is to send and recieve messages to and from the brain through afferent nerve track
Made of gray matter surrounded by white matter
Spinal column has 33 vertebrae
Joined together by discs and ligaments
Divided into 5 sections
5 sections of the spinal collumn
1) Cervical
2) Atlas (1st vertebra)
3) Axis (2nd vertebra)
4)Thoracic
5) Lumbar
Describe the anatomy of the brain
Gyri- elevated ridges around the brain
Sulci- small grooves dividing gyri
Fissures- deep grooves dividing large lobes of the brain
Right & Left hemisphere
What are the lobes of the brain?
Frontal Lobe- Judgement, decision making
Temporal Lobe- Memory, language
Occipital Lobe- Visual processing, recognition of size, color
Parietal Lobe- Sensation and perception
Define and describe neurons
Processes that support electrochemical transmission
Define and describe synapses
Junctions between neurons where electrochemical process takes place
Characterize the relationship between neurons and synapses
Neurons communicate with each other via synapses
What is the importance of the reticular activating system?
Modulates the basic biological rhythms such as arousal, concentration, and alterness
Acts to activate/inactive the brain with numerous connections to the cerebral cortex
What are the different types of imaging?
Computed Tomography (CT)- x ray
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)- better detailed x ray
Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI)- water diffusion
Functional MRI- detecting blood flow changes
Define blood-brain barrier
A network of blood vessels and tissue that is closely spaced to keep harmful substances from reaching the brain
What are the effects of neuroplasticity?
Cortical reorganization
Neurogenesis
Define and describe experience-dependent learning
As our behavior or experience changes, there are resulting changes to our brain topography
