Basic Neurophysiology

Question 1

Centrality

Answer 1

• All responses mediated by CNS regardless of proximity
• No 2 parts in peripheral body can communicate directly with each other
• Integrated = cognitive function
• Volitional = internally generate
• Reflexive/Spontaneous motor movement = environmentally elicited
• Result: outgoing motor response was refined and synthesized with additional informative stimuli from other sources of info

Question 2

Hierarchy

Answer 2

• Lower level perform basic functions (brainstem): breathing, heartbeat
• Higher levels perform more complex functions (Brain Cortex): language, memory, attention

Question 3

Functional Laterality of Cortical Organization

Answer 3

-Bilateral Anatomic Symmetry: virtually identical anatomy of left and right hemispheres
-Age 2 yo: each hemisphere develops specialized functions
o Left Hemisphere: Language, Speech
o Right Hemisphere: Emotions, Musical Skills, Paralinguistics (metaphors, jokes

Question 4

Neuronal Metabolism

Answer 4

-Blood Brain Barrier
o Responsible for not letting pathogens/toxins into the brain
o Allows selective passage of some substances, blocks others