Functional Neuroanatomy Flashcards
neuron
nerve cell; basic unit of nervous system; composed of a cell body, dendrites (receptive extensions) and axons (transmitting extensions)
glial cells
nonneuronal brain cells that provide structure, nutritional and other types of support to the brain
neuron doctrine
hypothesis that the brain is composed of separate cells that are distinct structurally, metabolically and functionally; Cajal’s research
synapses
tiny gap between neurons where information is passed from one to the other
mitochondrion
a cellular organelle that provides metabolic energy for the cell’s processes
cell nucleus
the spherical central structure of a cell that contains chromosomes
ribosomes
structures in the cell body where genetic information is translated to produce proteins
dendrites
serve as input zone, where they receive information from other neurons
cell body
(soma) serves as integration zone where inputs are combined and transformed
axons
leads away from cell body, serves as conduction zone and transmits information away from body in electrical impulse
axon terminal
transmit neuron’s activity to other cells at synapses
golgi stains
fill whole cell including details like dendritic spines
Nissl stains
outline all the cell bodies because the dyes are attracted to RNA
autoradiography
a histological technique that shows the distribution of radioactive chemicals in tissues
immunocytochemistry
a method for detecting a particular protein in tissues in which an antibody recognizes and binds to the protein and then chemical methods are used to leave a visible reaction product around each antibody
in situ hybridization
a method for detecting particular RNA transcripts in tissue sections by providing a nucleotide probe that is complementary to, and will therefore hybridize with, the transcript of interest
immediate early genes
a class of genes that show rapid but transient increases in expression in cells that have become activated
c-fos
an immediate early gene commonly used to identify activated neurons
horseradish peroxidase
an enzyme found in horseradish and other plants that is used to determine the cells of origin of a particular set of axons
multipolar neurons
have many dendrites and a single axon; most common
bipolar neurons
have a single dendrite at one end of the cell and a single axon at the other end; sensory systems like vision
unipolar neurons
have a single extension that branches in two directions; transmit touch information from the body into the spinal cord
motoneuron
nerve cell that transmits motor messages, stimulating a muscle or gland
sensory neuron
a neuron that is directly affected by changes in the environment, such as light, odor or touch
interneuron
a neuron that receives input from and sends output to other neurons; not a sensory or motor neuron
arborization
the elaborate branching of the dendrites of some neurons
presynaptic
region of synapse where the neurotransmitter is released
postsynaptic
region of synapse where the neurotransmitter is received and responded to
synaptic cleft
space between presynaptic and postsynaptic membranes
synaptic vesicle
spherical structure that contains moleucules of neurotransmitter
neurotransmitter
the chemical released from the presynaptic axon terminal that serves as the basis of communication between neurons
receptors
a protein that binds and reacts to molecules of a neurotransmitter or hormone
neural plasticity
ability of nervous system to change in response to experience or the environment
axon hillock
cone-shaped projection from cell body; gathers and integrates information from synapses and converts information into electrical impulses
axon collaterals
branches of axons that allows the neuron to influence a number of postsynaptic cells
axonal transport
the transportation of materials from the neuronal cell body to distant regions in the dendrites and axons, and from the axon terminals back to the cell body
astrocyte
a star shaped glial cell with numerous processes that run in all directions; on end of blood vessels regulating local blood flow to neurons
microglial cells
remove cellular debris from injured or dead cells; key component in neural pain systems; maintenance of synapses (Alzheimer’s disease)
oligondendrocyte
a glial cell that forms myelin in the central nervous system
Schwann cell
a glial cell that forms myelin in the peripheral nervous system
myelin
fatty insulation around an axon; formed by glial cells; improves speed of conduction of nerve impulses
node of Ranvier
a gap between successive segments of myelin sheath where the axon membrane is exposed
edema
swelling of tissue, especially in the brain in response to injury; caused by glial cells (astrocytes) changing sizes
multiple sclerosis
a disorder characterized by widespread degeneration of myelin
gross neuroanatomy
anatomical features of the nervous system that are apparent to the naked eye
peripheral nervous system
portion of the nervous system that includes all the nerves and neurons outside the brain and spinal cord
central nervous system
portion of the nervous system that includes the brain and spinal cord
nerve
a collection of axons bundled together outside the CNS
motor nerve
a nerve that conveys neural activity to muscle tissue and causes it to contract
sensory nerve
a nerve that conveys sensory information from the peripheral into the CNS
cranial nerve
a nerve that is connected directly to the brain
spinal nerve
somatic nerve; a nerve that emerges from the spinal cord
autonomic nervous system
part of the peripheral nervous system that supplies neural connections to glands and to smooth muscles of internal organs
cranial nerve I
olfactory- smell
cranial nerve II
optic- vision
cranial nerve III
oculomotor- muscles that move the eyes
cranial nerve IV
trochlear- muscles that move the eyes
cranial nerve VI
abducens- muscles that move the eyes
cranial nerve V
trigeminal- face, sinuses, teeth, jaw muscles
cranial nerve VII
facial- tongue, soft palate, facial muscles, salivary glands, tear glands
cranial nerve VIII
vestibulocochlear- inner ear, hearing and balance
cranial nerve IX
glossopharyngeal- taste and other mouth sensations, throat muscles
cranial nerve X
vagus- information from internal organs
cranial nerve XI
spinal accessory- nerve muscles
cranial nerve XII
hypoglossal- tongue muscles
dorsal root
the branch of a spinal nerve entering the dorsal horn of the spinal cord, that carries sensory information from the peripheral nervous system to the spinal cord
ventral root
branch of a spinal nerve, arising from the ventral horn of the spinal cord, that carries motor messages from the spinal cord to the peripheral nervous system
cervical
topmost 8 segments of the spinal cord in neck region
thoracic
12 spinal segments below the cervical portion of the spinal cord, corresponding to the chest
lumbar
5 spinal segments that make up the upper part of the lower back
sacral
5 spinal segments that make up the lower part of the lower back
coccygeal
lowest spinal vertebra; tailbone
autonomic ganglia
collections of nerve cells bodies, belonging to the autonomic division of the peripheral nervous system, that are found in various locations and innervate the major organs
preganglionic
referring to the neurons in the autonomic nervous system that run from the central nervous system to the autonomic ganglia
postganglionic
referring to the neurons in the autonomic nervous system that run from the autonomic ganglia to various targets in the body
sympathetic nervous system
a component of the autonomic nervous system that arises from the thoracic and lumbar spinal cord (flight or flight response)
sympathetic chain
a chain of ganglia that runs along each side of the spinal column; part of the sympathetic nervous system
parasympathetic nervous system
a component of the autonomic nervous system that arises from both the cranial nerves and sacral spinal cord (body relax and prepare)
norepinephrine
noradrenaline; neurotransmitter produced and released by the sympathetic postganglionic neurons to accelerate organ activity; produced in brain stem and found in projections throughout brain
acetylcholine
a neurotransmitter produced and released by parasympathetic postganglionic neurons, by motorneurons and by neurons throughout the brain
enteric nervous system
extensive meshlike system of neurons that governs the functioning of the gut
cerebral hemispheres
the right and left halves of the forebrain
cerebral cortex
the outer covering of the cerebral hemispheres that consists largely of nerve cell bodies and their branches; complex cognition
gyrus
a ridged or raised portion of a convoluted brain surface
sulcus
a furrow of a convoluted brain surface
frontal lobe
most anterior portion of the cerebral cortex; movement, high-level cognition
parietal lobe
large regions of cortex lying between the frontal and occipital lobes of each cerebral hemisphere; receive sensory information and participate in spatial cognition, sense of touch
temporal lobe
large lateral cortical regions of each cerebral hemisphere, continuous with the parietal lobes posteriorly and separated from the frontal lobe by the Slyvian fissure; auditory information, sense of smell, learning and memory
occipital lobe
large regions of cortex covering much of the posterior part of each cerebral hemisphere; sense of vision
Slyvian fissure
lateral sulcus; a deep fissure that separates the temporal lobe
central sulcus
a fissure that divides the frontal lobe from the parietal lobe
postcentral gyrus
strip of parietal cortex, that receives somatosensory information from the entire body
precentral gyrus
strip of frontal cortex that is crucial for motor control
sagital plane
plane that bisects the body into right and left halves
coronal plane
plane that divides the body into a front and a back part
horizontal plane
divides brain into upper and lower parts
medial
toward middle
lateral
toward the side
ipsilateral
same side of body
contralateral
opposite side of body
superior
above
inferior
below
anterior
rostral; head end
posterior
caudal; tail end
proximal
near the center
distal
toward the end of limb
afferent
carries information into a region (arrives)
efferent
carries information away from the region (exits)
dorsal
towards the back
ventral
towards the belly
corpus callosum
main band of axons that connects the two cerebral hemispheres
white matter
a shiny layer underneath cortex that consists largely of axons with white myelin sheaths; transmits information
gray matter
areas of brain that are dominated by cells bodies and are devoid of myelin; processes information
neural tube
embryonic structure with subdivisions that correspond to the future forebrain, midbrain and hindbrain
forebrain
anterior division of bain containing cerebral hemispheres, thalamus and hypothalamus
midbrain
middle division of brain
hindbrain
rear division of brain which in mature vertebrae contains the cerebellum, pons and medulla
telencephalon
the frontal subdivision of the forebrain that includes the cerebral hemispheres when fully developed
diencephalon
posterio part of the forebrain, including the thalamus and hypothalamus
metencephalon
subdivision of the hindbrain that includes the cerebellum and pons
cerebellum
structure located at the back of the brain, dorsal to the pons, involved in central regulation of movement
pons
portion of metencephalon; part of the brainstem connecting midbrain to medulla;
medulla
posterior part of hindbrain continuous with the spinal cord
brainstem
region of the brain that consists of the midbrain, the pons and the medulla
nucleus
a collection of neurons within the CNS
tract
bundle of axons found within the CNS
allocortex
brain tissue with three layers or unlayered organization
pyramidal cell
a type of large nerve cell that has a roughly pyramid-shaped cell body; found in the cerebral cortex
apical dendrite
the dendrite that extends from a pyramidal cell to the outermost surface of the cortex
basal dendrite
one of several dendrites on a pyramidal cell that extends horizontally from the cell body
cortical column
one of the vertical columns that constitute the basic organization of the neocortex
basal ganglia
a group of forebrain nucleus, globus pallidus, and putamen, found deep within the cerebral hemispheres
substantia nigra
a brainstem structure in humans that innervates the basal ganglia and is named for its dark pigmentation
limbic system
widespread group of brain nuclei that innervate each other to form a network; emotion and learning
amygadala
in medial anterior part of the temporal lobe; emotional regulation
hippocampus
medial temporal lobe that is important for learning and memory
fornix
a fiber tract that extends from the hippocampus to the mamillary body
cingulate gyrus
cortical portion of the limbic system, found in the frontal and parietal midline
olfactory bulb
anterior projection of the brain that terminates in the upper nasal passages and through small openings in the skull; provides receptors for smell
thalamus
brain regions that surround the third ventricle; directs incoming information
hypothalamus
under thalamus; vital functions like hunger, thirst, temperature regulation, sex
superior colliculi
paired gray matter structures of the dorsal midbrain that receive visual information and are involved in direction of visual gaze and visual attention to intended stimuli
inferior colliculi
paired gray matter structures of the dorsal midbrain that receive auditory information
tectum
dorsal portion of the midbrain including the inferior and superior colliculi
red nucleus
a brainstem structure related to motor control
reticular formation
an extensive region of the brainstem that is involved in arousal (waking)
Purkinje cells
a type of nerve cell in the cerebellar cortex
granule cell
type of small nerve cell (below Pukinje cells)
parallel fiber
one of the axons of the granule cells that form the outermost layer of the cerebellar cortex
meninges
three protective sheets of tissue- dura mater, pia mater, and arachnoid that surround the brain and spinal cord
dura mater
outermost of the thee meninges that surround brain and spinal cord
pia mater
innermost of the thee meninges that surround brain and spinal cord
arachoid
thin covering of the brain that lies between the dura mater and pia mater
cerebrospinal fluid
fluid that fills the cerebral ventricles
meningitis
an acute inflammation of the meninges, usually caused by viral or bacterial infection
meningiomas
any of a class of noncancerous tumors arising from the meninges
ventricular system
a system of fluid filled cavities in the brain
lateral ventricle
a complexly shaped lateral portion of the ventricular system within each hemisphere of the brain
choroid plexus
a highly vascular portion of the lining of ventricles that secretes cerebrospinal fluid
third ventricle
midline ventricle that conducts cerebrospinal fluid from the lateral ventricles to the fourth ventricle
fourth ventricle
the passageway within the pons that receives cerebrospinal fluid from the third ventricle and releases it to surround the brain and spinal cord
carotid arteries
major arteries that ascend the left and right sides of the neck to the brain, supplying blood to the anterior and middle cerebral arteries
anterior cerebral arteries
two large arteries, arising from the carotids, that provide blood to the anterior poles and medial surfaces of the cerebral hemispheres
middle cerebral arteries
two large arteries, arising from the carotids, that provide blood to most of the lateral surfaces of the cerebral hemispheres
posterior cerebral arteries
two large arteries, arising from the basilar artery, that provide blood to posterior aspects of the cerebral hemispheres, cerebellum and brainstem
vertebral arteries
arteries that ascend the vertebrae, enter the base of the skull, and join together to form the basilar artery
circle of Willis
a structure at the base of the brain that is formed by joining of the carotid and basilar arteries; may providde an alternate route for blood flow if any o the main arteries to brain are damaged
stroke
damage to a region of brain tissue that results from blockage or rupture of vessels that supply blood to that region
blood-brain barrier
mechanisms that make the movement of substances from blood vessels into brain cells more difficult than exchanges in other body organs, thus affording the brain greater protection from exposure to some substances found in the blood
angiogaphy
a brain imaging technique which a specialized x-ray image of the head is taken shortly after the cerebral blood vessels have been filed with radiopaque dye by means of a catheter
computerized axial tomography CAT
a noninvasice technique for examining brain structure in humans through computer analysis of X-ray absorption at several positions around the head
magnetic resonance imaging MRI
noninvasive technique that uses magnetic energy to generate images that reveal some structural details in the living brain
positron emission tomography PET
a technique for examining brain function by combining tomography with injections of radioactive substances used by the brain
functional MRI
magnetic resonance imaging that detects changes in blood flow and therefore identifies regions of the brain that are particularly active during a given task
diffusion tensor imaging DTI
a modified form of MRI imaging in which the diffusion of water in a confined space is exploited to produce images of axonal fiber tracts
optical imaging
a method for visualizing brain activity in which near-infrared light is passed through the scalp and skull
transcranial magnetic stimulation TMS
localized, noninvasive stimulation of cortical neurons through the application of strong magnetic fields
lesions
regions of damage withing brain
magnetoencephalography MEG
a passive and noninvasive functional brain imaging technique that measures the tiny magnetic fields produced by active neurons, in order to identify regions of the brain that are particularly active during a given task
social neuroscience
aims to understand brain activity as it relates to our interactions with others
dyadic functional MRI
employs an MRI scanner that is fitted with specialty designed dual head coils (two people)
