Chap.1 Structure, Function, and Methods Flashcards
What do we mean by the brain is an integrated system?
That it is highly complex and interconnected
What are the two types of cells in the nervous system?
Glial cells (support neurons)
Neurons (hold the information and do the information processing)
What are the 4 types of glial cells of the nervous system?
Astrocytes (regulate neurotransmission and helps blood blow)
Microglia (cleanup)
Oligodendrocytes(myelinate axons)
Schwann cells —> only one in PNS (myelinate axons in PNS)
What is an action potential?
A sequence of changes in the membrane potential of a neuron
What are the 3 reference frames of orientation?
Relative to body parts
Relative to location
Relative to viewer
What is relative to body parts in orientation?
Rostral
Caudal
Dorsal
Ventral
What is relative to location in orientation?
Anterior/frontal
Posterior
Lateral
Medial
Relative to viewer in orientation?
Coronal
Horizontal
Sagittal
Skull
Thick bone surrounding brain
Meninges
Three membranes, between the skull and the brain.
Between each membrane is a space filled with CSF
Cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF)
Produced in the ventricles
provides structural support
part of the BBB
Bbb
Selective neuro-chemical barrier between the brain and the blood supply from the rest of the body. Substances like glucose and oxygen pass easily, larger molecules require active transport.
Important first action of drugs in the brain
Tracts
Bundles of axons connecting different regions
What is the brainstem composed of?
Medulla
Pons & CB
Midbrain
What is the brainstem composed of?
The medulla
Pons
Cerebellum
Midbrain
What is the role of the cerebellum?
Supports most aspects of cortical function (including motor, cognitive, emotion)
What is the function of the thalamus?
“Gateway to the cortex” because all of the sensory modalities make synaptic relays in the thalamus before continuing to the primary cortical sensory receiving areas.
Relay system between sensory input, cortex, cerebellum, basal ganglia, medial temporal lobe.
What is the function of the hypothalamus?
Main connection between nervous and endocrine systems, hormone production
What is the function of the limbic system?
Binding information to support behaviour.
What is the function of the basal ganglia?
Connections to most of the cortex.
Reward learning, goal directed behaviour
Crumbled & folded layered “bark” why is the brain folded?
Covers greater surface area within the limits of the skull
Proximity -> when you fold stuff over, you can wire neurons more efficiently
What is cytoarchitecture?
Uses the micro-anatomy of cells and their organization to subdivide the cortex
What is myeloarchitecture?
The cortical myelin organization
Why is connection all architecture important?
Because function is determined by local structure and connectivity.
GM = information processing
WM = information transfer
