introduction to neuro

Question 1

Nervous system coordinates physiology through 3 principles:

Answer 1

Sensation -gathering information about the internal and external environment
Integration -determining appropriate response based on multi sensory information and past experience.
Response -conveying coordinated response to muscles glands ect.

Question 2

what does the nervous system include in vertebrates and how is it defined across species?

Answer 2

In vertebrates, the nervous system includes the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and sense organs
Across species, the nervous system is defined by the presence of a special type of cell,
called a neuron or ‘nerve cell’.

Question 3

estimates of glial cell numbers

Answer 3

Estimates of the ratio of glia to neurons varies widely, from 100:1 to closer to 1:1

Question 4

explain location and function of epidermal cells

Answer 4

• line the ventricles and the central canal of the spinal cord
• have beating cilia, that direct movement of cerebrospinal fluid
• disturbances in the flow of cerebrospinal fluid leads to hydrocephalus

Question 5

Astrocytes & Satellite Regulate the external chemical and physical environment of neurons. For astrocytes, these functions include:

Answer 5

• ionic homeostasis
• neurovascular coupling
• maintaining synaptic function
• human astrocytes inordinately large

Question 6

function of Oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells

Answer 6

• generate and maintain the myelin sheath that surrounds axons
• important for high speed conduction of action potentials
• oligodendrocytes in the brain can wrap multiple axons and form a unique signaling pathway (schwann cells wrap only one.

Question 7

function of mycroglial cells

Answer 7

• immune effector cells of the nervous system
• largely inactive under physiological conditions
• fight infection and inflammation in the brain often at high cost to the tissues.

Question 8

how did Camilo Golgi contribute to neuroscience?

Answer 8

developed another staging technique for staining certain neuronal cell types with silver nitrate precipitation. (golgi impregnation)

Question 9

how did Santiago y Ramoni cajal contribute to our understanding of neuroscience

Answer 9

demonstrated existence of synapses

Question 10

Classification of neurons:

Answer 10

Shape: Multipolar, bipolar, unipolar
Biochemistry: transmitter context excitatory/ inhibitory metabolic effects?
Function: projections interneurons

Question 11

briefly surmise hippocampal role in the brain

Answer 11

(base of cerebral cortex)- memory in slow wave sleep ect

Question 12

what is dura matter?

Answer 12

thick protective layer covers brain between two hemispheres.

Question 13

why does the substantia nigra appear black in colour

Answer 13

-Neuromelanin gives specific brain sections, such as the substantia nigra or the locus coeruleus, distinct color. … It is believed to protect neurons in the substantia nigra from iron-induced oxidative stress. It is considered a true melanin due to its stable free radical structure and it avidly chelates metals.