Introduction to Neuroscience Flashcards
At what age is someone most likely to suffer from a mental, neurological and/or behavioral disorder?
20-24 years. (53% chance)
What are the three basic functions of the nervous system?
Sensation - receive sensory input from internal and external environments.
Perception - create internal maps of this information (integration/evaluation)
Action - Respond in an adaptive manner to stimuli
What are distinguishing features of advanced nervous systems?
Cellular specializations; Areal specializations (collections of cells grouped together for common purpose); Functional cooperators (ensembles of neurons acting in synchrony to produce desired outcome); adaptability; high information storage capacity
What cell types have large dendritic arbors? Why?
Pyramidal cells/ Purkinje cells. To collect and/or integrate information, then send (typically strong projection) to a target.
What does an astrocyte look like? What do astrocytes function to do?
They are star-like cell with long cytoplasmic processes which bridge neurons and capillary endothelial cells. They provide mechanical and metabolic support for neurons; contribute to the blood-brain barrier; control transport of substances from the blood to neural tissue; help coordinate nerve pathway development
What does an oligodendrocyte look like? What does it function to do?
Its characteristic is limited number of dendritic processes; those processes provide electrical insulation for a few adjacent neurons by forming a part of the myelin sheath for their axons thereby increasing action potential speed of propagation.
What does a glial cell look like?
It has a characteristic small size. They are phagocytic and protect the nervous tissue. They come from a hematopoetic source. They can act immunologically and release cytokines
What are the best indicators of intelligence?
Foliation and neuronal density
What are the three major functional classes of neurons?
Sensory/afferent neurons
Motor/ efferent neurons
Interneurons
Describe a sensory/ afferent neuron:
Typically have a long dendrite and short axon, and carry messages from sensory receptors to the CNS
Describe a motor/ efferent neuron:
Long axon and short dendrites and transmit messages from the CNS to the muscles (or to glands)
Describe an interneuron:
Found only in CNS where they interconnect neurons
Describe the simple reflex circuit (i.e. knee-jerk response)
Hammer tap stretches tendon and sensory receptors in leg extensor muscle. Sensory neuron synapses with and excites motor neuron and interneuron in the spinal cord. Interneuron synapse inhibits motor neuron to flexor muscles. Motor neuron conducts AP to extensor. Flexor muscle is relaxed because of inhibition by interneuron. Leg extends.
What is rapid adaptation in the context of the functional stretch reflex?
There is a decrease in EMG and body sway upon repeated stimulation.
