Chap.1 Structure, Function, and Methods

Question 1

What do we mean by the brain is an integrated system?

Answer 1

That it is highly complex and interconnected

Question 2

What are the two types of cells in the nervous system?

Answer 2

Glial cells (support neurons)
Neurons (hold the information and do the information processing)

Question 3

What are the 4 types of glial cells of the nervous system?

Answer 3

Astrocytes (regulate neurotransmission and helps blood blow)
Microglia (cleanup)
Oligodendrocytes(myelinate axons)
Schwann cells —> only one in PNS (myelinate axons in PNS)

Question 4

What is an action potential?

Answer 4

A sequence of changes in the membrane potential of a neuron

Question 5

What are the 3 reference frames of orientation?

Answer 5

Relative to body parts
Relative to location
Relative to viewer

Question 6

What is relative to body parts in orientation?

Answer 6

Rostral
Caudal
Dorsal
Ventral

Question 7

What is relative to location in orientation?

Answer 7

Anterior/frontal
Posterior
Lateral
Medial

Question 8

Relative to viewer in orientation?

Answer 8

Coronal
Horizontal
Sagittal

Question 9

Skull

Answer 9

Thick bone surrounding brain

Question 10

Meninges

Answer 10

Three membranes, between the skull and the brain.
Between each membrane is a space filled with CSF

Question 11

Cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF)

Answer 11

Produced in the ventricles
provides structural support
part of the BBB

Question 12

Bbb

Answer 12

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

Question 13

Tracts

Answer 13

Bundles of axons connecting different regions

Question 14

What is the brainstem composed of?

Answer 14

Medulla
Pons & CB
Midbrain

Question 15

What is the brainstem composed of?

Answer 15

The medulla
Pons
Cerebellum
Midbrain

Question 16

What is the role of the cerebellum?

Answer 16

Supports most aspects of cortical function (including motor, cognitive, emotion)

Question 17

What is the function of the thalamus?

Answer 17

“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.

Question 18

What is the function of the hypothalamus?

Answer 18

Main connection between nervous and endocrine systems, hormone production

Question 19

What is the function of the limbic system?

Answer 19

Binding information to support behaviour.

Question 20

What is the function of the basal ganglia?

Answer 20

Connections to most of the cortex.
Reward learning, goal directed behaviour

Question 21

Crumbled & folded layered “bark” why is the brain folded?

Answer 21

Covers greater surface area within the limits of the skull
Proximity -> when you fold stuff over, you can wire neurons more efficiently

Question 22

What is cytoarchitecture?

Answer 22

Uses the micro-anatomy of cells and their organization to subdivide the cortex

Question 23

What is myeloarchitecture?

Answer 23

The cortical myelin organization

Question 24

Why is connection all architecture important?

Answer 24

Because function is determined by local structure and connectivity.

GM = information processing
WM = information transfer