intro to neuroscience Flashcards
CT
method of 2D/3D imaging measuring the X-ray attenuation through a tissue
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
2D/3D imaging by detecting signals produced by protons in water and fat molecules
T2 MRI
signal intensity related to water content (signal intensity increases with increased water content)
T1 MRI
signal intensity related to the differences in white and grey matter (they have different cellular structure)
Diffusion-weighted MRI
microscopic diffusion of water molecules is measured (in a specific direction)
PET
2D imaging based on detecting gamma rays produced by injected radiopharmaceutical
Radiopharmaceutical
molecule (given either intravenously or orally) with a radioisotope attached
what makes humans dominant species in comparison to other primates?
greatly developed frontal lobe
describe the relationship between grey mass and number of neurons in the cerebral cortex for humans?
many more neurons per grey mass
what is the encephalocentric theory?
theory the brain is the centre of sensation and understanding
what is the cardiocentric theory?
theory that the heart is the centre of sensations and intelligence
what is the dura and what is its function?
bag surrounding the brain that contains the CSF and brain: acts as a conduit for clearing out toxins, provides nutrients to the brain, mechanically acts as a cushion
what cells make up the grey matter?
- glia
- astrocytes
- neurons
what structures are involved in a typical brain cell?
- cell body
- axons
- dendrites
what is the function of dendrites?
receives signals from other neurons
what is the function of the axon?
axons transmit the processed signal in the cell body