Chapter 2.2 Flashcards
True/False: Glial cells play a mostly supportive roll.
True
What is the function of glial cells?
They guide neurons to where they need to go in order to communicate information between different parts of the brain. They are also responsible for removing dead neurons, providing structural support between neurons (scaffold), myeline production.
What is the brains primary immune responders?
Microglia
If there are toxic/foreign substances in the brain, what gets rid of them?
Microglia
What cell type is implicated in neurodegenerative disorders?
Microglia
True/False: There are not enough activation of the microglia in someone who exhibits Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s.
False, there is too much activity.
In a neurodegenerative disorder, what do the microglia do?
find injured neurons and strip away synapses
True/false: Microglia play a role in the developing brain.
True
True/False: the brain begins with more synapses than it needs.
True
What is synaptogensis?
The developing brain making connections
What is it called when a developing brain eliminates connections?
Pruning
Microglia are ___ the brain by eliminating unwanted connections.
sculpting
True/False: Microglia produce disturbances in the brain.
False; Microglia sense and remove disturbances in the brain
Increased microglial activation is associated in individuals with ______.
schizophrenia
What do the microglia do when the brain is exposed to injury or disease?
They eat up the remains of dying cells
What are the protein clumps called that are associated with Alzheimer’s?
beta-amyloid deposits
True/False: There is an abundance of microglia in patients who exhibit alzheimers.
True
What is the four stage model of information processing?
Detect (PNS)
Recognize (CNS)
Decide (CNS)
Execute (PNS)
What are the two main divisions of the nervous system?
PNS, CNS
What is the CNS made of?
Brain and nervous system
What is the PNS made of?
All of the neurons that come off the spinal cord and brain
What division controls detection?
PNS
What division controls your ability to recognize?
CNS
What division controls your ability to decide?
CNS
What division controls your ability to execute/act?
PNS
How many pairs of spinal nerves are there?
31
Where are the spinal nerves located?
They run from the top of the brain stem down along the spinal cord
What is the function of the spinal nerves?
They bring information in from the environment and then send information back to the nerves to activate a muscle or a motor response
Where do the spinal nerves enter and exit?
Spinal nerves enter and exit at each vertebra of the spinal column
What are the two types of nerves that enter and exit the vertebra?
sensory nerve and a motor nerve
Information from the face reaches the brain via ____________.
Cranial Nerves
Where are the cranial nerves located?
On the underside of the brain called the medulla
How many cranial nerves are there?
12 pairs
How are the cranial nerves special?
Rather than coming from the spinal cord, they come to/from the underbelly of the brain called the medulla
Where is the medulla?
connects the spinal cord and the brain
What is the function of the medulla?
controls vital functions and reflexes such as respiration and heart rate. also houses the RAS
What is the RAS and what is its function?
reticular activating system; important for overall arousal and attention and the sleep-wake cycle
