Ch2: Intro to the brain Flashcards
A type of cell that makes up the nervous system and supports, among other things, cognitive function
Neuron
Part of the neuron containing the nucleus and other organelles
Cell body
Branching structures that carry information from other neurons
Dendrites
A branching structure that carries information to other neurons and transmits an action potential
Axon
The small gap between neurons in which neurotransmitters are released, permitting signaling between neurons
Synapse
A sudden change (depolarization and repolarization) in the electrical properties of the neuron membrane in an axon, that forms the basis for how neurons code information (in the form of the rate and synchrony of action potentials)
Action potential
Chemical signals that are released by one neuron and affect the properties of other neurons
Neurotransmitters
A fatty substance that is deposited around the axon of some neurons that speeds conduction
Myelin
Matter consisting primarily of neuronal cell bodies
Gray matter
Tissue of the nervous system consisting primarily of axons and support cells
White matter
Support cells of the nervous system involved in tissue repair and in the formation of myelin (among other functions)
Glia
A large white matter tract that connects the two hemispheres
Corpus callosum
The hollow chambers of the brain that contain cerebrospinal fluid
Ventricles
Towards the front
Anterior
Towards the back
Posterior
Towards the top
Superior (dorsal)
Towards the bottom
Inferior (ventral)
The outer part (cf. medial)
Lateral
In or towards the middle
Medial
The raised folds of the cortex
Gyri (gyrus = singular)
The buried grooves of the cortex
Sulci (sulcus = singular)
Regions of cortex defined by the relative distribution of cell types across cortical layers (cytoarchitecture)
Brodmann’s areas
Regions of subcortical gray matter involved in aspects of motor control, skill learning, and reward learning; they consist of structures such as the caudate nucleus, putamen, and globus pallidus
Basal ganglia
A region of subcortex involved in relating the organism to its present and past environment; limbic structures include the amygdala, hippocampus, cingulate cortex, and mamillary bodies
Limbic system
A major subcortical relay center; for instance, it is a processing station between all sensory organs (except smell) and the cortex
Thalamus
Consists of a variety of nuclei that are specialized for different functions that are primarily concerned with the body and its regulation
Hypothalamus
A midbrain nucleus that forms part of a subcortical sensory pathway involved in programming fast eye movements
Superior colliculi
A midbrain nucleus that forms part of a subcortical auditory pathway
Inferior colliculi
Structure attached to the hindbrain; important for dexterity and smooth execution of movement
Cerebellum
Part of the hindbrain; a key link between the cerebellum and the cerebrum
Pons
Part of the hindbrain; it regulates vital functions such as breathing, swallowing, heart rate, and the wake–sleep cycle
Medulla oblongata
Which of the following populations tends to have LARGER brains than average?
A) Autistic people
B) Alzheimer’s patients
C) The malnourished
D) Women
A) Autistic people
A brain slice along the horizontal plane is commonly referred to as a/an:
A) Dorsal section
B) Axial section
C) Sagittal section
D) Coronal section
B) Axial section
The branching structures of neurons that carry information from other neurons are called:
A) Somas
B) Hillocks
C) Cell bodies
D) Dendrites
D) Dendrites
The points along the axon at which myelin is absent are called:
A) Organelles
B) Nodes of Ranvier
C) Ventricles
D) Voltage-gated Na+ channels
B) Nodes of Ranvier
Another term for the posterior aspect of the brain is:
A) Dorsal
B) Caudal
C) Rostral
D) Inferior
B) Caudal
The dips or folds in the brain are called:
A) Lobules
B) Lobes
C) Sulci
D) Gyri
C) Sulci
The neocortex consists of how many main cortical layers?
A) 6
B) 8
C) 5
D) 3
A) 6
The lateral dividing line between the frontal and temporal lobes is called the:
A) Cingulate fissure
B) Middle frontal gyrus
C) Sylvian fissure
D) Inferior frontal gyrus
C) Sylvian fissure
The island of cortex buried underneath the temporal lobe is called the:
A) Precuneus
B) Insula
C) Hippocampus
D) Uncus
B) Insula
Brodmann area 17 represents a functional region often referred to as the:
A) Planning region
B) Primary motor
C) Primary visual cortex
D) Diencephalon
C) Primary visual cortex
Which of the following parts of the limbic system has been implicated most in the detection of fearful or threatening stimuli?
A) Mamillary bodies
B) Hippocampus
C) Olfactory bulbs
D) Amygdala
D) Amygdala
Disorders of the basal ganglia can be characterized as:
A) Hypokinetic
B) Psychosomatic
C) Transient
D) Associative
A) Hypokinetic
The part of the brain thought of as the main sensory relay for most senses is called the:
A) Fornix
B) Thalamus
C) Medulla
D) Globus Pallidus
B) Thalamus
The hypothalamus is primarily concerned with:
A) Memory
B) Sensory processing
C) Breathing and swallowing
D) Regulation of the body
D) Regulation of the body
The inferior colliculi are specialized for what type of processing?
A) Visual
B) Auditory
C) Tactile
D) Olfactory
B) Auditory
Which region of the hindbrain literally means “little brain” and, if extensively damaged, can lead to deficits such as dysarthria and nystagmus?
A) Cerebellum
B) Superior colliculi
C) Anterior cingulate cortex
D) Medulla Oblongata
A) Cerebellum
The fluid filling the brain’s ventricles is called:
A) Bile
B) Cerebrospinal fluid
C) Glia
D) Aqueous humour
B) Cerebrospinal fluid
Which of the following neurotransmitters is inhibitory?
A) GABA
B) Glutamate
C) Dopamine
D) Acetylcholine
A) GABA
The type of white matter tract, depicted below, connecting cortical structures across different hemispheres is called:
A) Association tract
B) projection tract
C) Commissure
D) Feedback loop
C) Commissure
Which of the following neurotransmitters typically has an inhibitory effect on postsynaptic neurons?
A) Acetylcholine
B) GABA
C) Dura mater
D) Glutamate
B) GABA
