Interconnections between neurons Flashcards

1
Q

What is the focus of studying interconnections between neurons?

A

Understanding patterns of connections between neurons, rather than their cellular structure.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What are tract tracers used for in neuroscience research?

A

They are substances taken up by neurons and transported along axonal routes, helping map neural connections.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What unique properties do some tracers have?

A

Some tracers jump across synapses and move retrograde (backward) through neural pathways.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What is Brainbow?

A

A method where genes are inserted to express fluorescent proteins in diverse hues to visualize neuronal interconnections and brain development.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What types of studies can Brainbow help with?

A

Studies related to brain development, neuronal circuitry, and connectivity.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What do modern brain-imaging techniques allow us to study?

A

The living brain in healthy participants, revealing both structure and activity patterns associated with behaviors.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

How do CT scans work?

A

They use X-rays to generate cross-sectional images of the brain by measuring X-ray absorption at multiple angles.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What does tissue density determine in a CT scan?

A

The level of X-ray absorption, which helps create the image.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What is the resolution of CT scans?

A

Medium-resolution images.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What are CT scans commonly used to detect?

A

Strokes, tumors, and cortical shrinkage.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Provide an example of a CT scan diagnosis.

A

A meningioma compressing the motor cortex was identified in a CT scan, leading to successful surgical removal and restored motor function.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Why are Tract Tracers and Brainbow techniques important?

A

They are crucial for mapping neural pathways and understanding interconnections at a microscopic level.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What role do CT scans play in medical diagnostics?

A

They are essential for diagnosing structural abnormalities and guiding interventions in acute neurological conditions.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

How does MRI work?

A

It uses magnetic fields and radio waves instead of X-rays to create images.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What happens during the MRI process?

A

Magnetic field aligns protons in the brain.
Radio waves knock protons out of alignment.
Protons return to alignment, emitting energy.
The emitted energy is detected and analyzed to create images.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What is the output of MRI?

A

Detailed cross-sectional images showing the size and shape of brain regions.

17
Q

What can MRI detect?

A

Structural abnormalities like multiple sclerosis (e.g., myelin loss).

18
Q

How does the resolution of MRI compare to CT scans?

A

MRI provides higher resolution images than CT scans.

19
Q

What does Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) track?

A

It tracks water diffusion in axons.

20
Q

What does DTI map?

A

Axonal fiber tracts and brain connectivity (the connectome).