Functional Neuroanatomy Flashcards
3 role of a neuron
1) Receiving imputes from other cells
2) Integrating those imputes
3) Distributing the processed information to other neurons
Which organelles contain a neuron?
1) Mitochondria, that produce energy
2) Cell nucleus, that contains genes encoded in DNA
3) Ribosomes, translate genetic instructions from the cell nucleus into proteins
Dendrites
cellular extension that serve as an input zone, receiving information from other neurons across synapses
Cell body
contains the cell’s nucleus. In addition to receiving additional synaptic inputs, the cell body serve as an integration zone, combining the information received by the neuron
Axon
a single extension that leads away from the cell body and serve as a conduction zone. Before its end it may split into multiple branches called axon collaterals.
Axon terminals
specialized swelling at the ends of the axon which are a functional output zone
Synaptic vesicles
tiny hollow spheres that contains a neurotransmitter, which the neuron uses to communicate with the postsynaptic neurons.
Neural plasticity
continual remodelling of the connections between neurons.
Anterograde transport
moves material toward the axon terminals
Somatic nervous system
which consist of nerves that interconnect the brain and the major muscles and sensory system of the body
Autonomous nervous system
control the viscera (internal organs)
3 major division in the autonomic nervous system
1) Sympathetic nervous system: sympathetic activation prepares the body for actions
2) Parasympathetic nervous system: helps the body to relax, recuperate and prepare for future actions
3) Enteric nervous system: is a local network of sensory and motor neurons that regulates the functioning of the gu
norepinephrine
accelerate activities
acetylcholine
slow down activities
4 main cortical regions
1) Frontal lobe
2) Parietal lobe
3) Temporal lobe
4) Occipital lobe
Frontal lobe
important for movement and high-level cognition
Parietal lobe
receive sensory information from the body and participate in spatial recognition
hypothalamus
brain main interface with the hormonal system of the body
Angiography
provides detailed views of the cerebral blood vessels and aids in the diagnosis of vascular disease
Computerized axial tomography (CAT or CT)
x-ray energy is used to generate images. Detectors measure the amount of x-ray radiation that is absorbed (proportional to the density of the tissue) –> an anatomical map of the brain tissue density can be generated by computers
Diffusional tensor imaging (DTI)
MRI technology is used in a new way to specifically study white matter tracts within the living brain. The property of molecules constrained in the narrow tubes of axons diffuse more readily in some directions than others, known as fractional anisotropy, reflects connections between brain regions
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
provide higher-resolution images than CT because MRI images are derived from radio frequency energy. Patient’s head in the centre of a powerful circular magnet.
Functional MRI (fMRI)
it has revolutionized cognitive neuroscience research. It uses high-powered, rapidly oscillating magnetic-field gradients to detect small changes in brain metabolism and particularly the moment-to-moment use of oxygen.
Different view of the brain
1) Lateral view
2) Midsagittal view
3) Ventral view
Astrocytes
star-shaped cells with many processes that receive neuronal input and monitor activity
Microglial cells
small cells that remove debris from injured cells
Oligodendrocytes
Cause myelination
