Introduction to Neuroscience Flashcards

1
Q

Neuroscience: definition; how is it different from other basic sciences?

A

The scientific study of the nervous system

It is less concrete and more abstract than the other basic sciences

Task of neuro is to explain behavior in terms of brain activity (this assumes that behaviors are the result of brain activities)

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2
Q

Approaches to studying Neuroscience: Regional Neurobiology

A

The study of structure and function of the anatomic parts of the nervous system

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3
Q

Approaches to studying Neuroscience: Systems Neurobiology

A

The study of functional systems within the nervous system

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4
Q

Why do we use different methods of study?

A

To allow for multiple levels of analysis, including molecular, cellular, systems, behavioral, and cognitive

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5
Q

Methods of Study - Structural Analysis: Lesion

A

Method: Damaging a distinct nervous system region in an experimental animal and documenting the subsequent loss of function

Purpose: Correlate structure with function

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6
Q

Methods of Study - Structural Analysis: Tracing

A

Method: Injection of visible molecules into the periphery to be taken up by local axons and transported back to the cell body or vice versa

Purpose: asses connections between nervous system regions

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7
Q

Methods of Study - Structural Analysis: Cytochemistry/Histochemistry

A

Method: General cell staining

Purpose: Demonstrate size and distribution of neurons

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8
Q

Methods of Study - Structural Analysis: Immunocytochemistry

A

Method: Specific cell staining that utilizes antibodies to identify proteins

Purpose: Demonstrate molecular distinctions of neurons

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9
Q

Methods of Study - Structural Analysis: Genetic Engineering

A

Method: Insertion of a gene that codes for some visualizable substance into a neuron’s genome

Purpose: Trace connections between molecularly defined populations of neurons and their targets

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10
Q

Methods of Study - Structural Analysis: Brain Imaging Techniques

A

Method: Computerized Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Purpose: View brain structure

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11
Q

Methods of Study - Functional Analysis: Single-Cell or Single-Unit Electrophysiological Recording

A

Method: Placement of a mircoelectrode into a neuron or region of neurons to record action potential activity

Purpose: Provide information about the type of stimulus that activates a neuron; define a neuron’s receptive field

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12
Q

Methods of Study - Functional Analysis: Functional Brain Imaging

A

Method: Positron Emission Tomography (PET scan); Single photon emission computerized tomography; Functional MRI

Purpose: View brain function based on local metabolism; correlate structure with function

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13
Q

Methods of Study - Analysis of Complex Behaviors

A

Method: Use of functional brain imaging during well designed behavioral tasks

Purpose: Facilitate identification of brain networks devoted to specific complex functions

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