L2: Nervous system basics Flashcards
What is Neuropsychology?
The study of brain damage on the brain and how it affects behavior.
What is an EEG test?
A test that detects changes in brain waves. Can be used to detect and diagnose brain disorders.
What is a PET scan?
“Position emission tomography” is a type of scan that produces three dimensional images. It shows where issues are but is not very precise.
What is an fMRI scan?
“Functional magnetic resonance imaging” A type of scan that infers brain activity by changes in blood flow. Used in pre-surgical planning to localize brain function. More precise than a PET scan.
What is MEG?
Magnetoencephalography, a neuroimaging technique. Measures magnetic fields generated by electrical currents in the brain. It’s non-invasive and provides a precise location.
What is TMS?
Transcranial magnetic stimulation, a procedure that used magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells. Used to improve symptoms of major depression and OCD.
What is a Neuron and what is it composed of?
An information processing unit made up of Dendrites, axons and a Cell body.
What is the Neuron Doctrine?
A concept that describes the nervous system as being made up of discrete individual cells.
What is an Axon?
The conduction zone of a Neuron that conducts information via electrical activity.
What is a Dendrite?
The input zone of a Neuron, it receives information form other Neurons.
What are the 3 main components of a Synapse?
1) Pre-synaptic ending
2) Synaptic Cleft
3) post-synaptic ending
What does the Pre-synaptic ending do?
Released the Neurotransmitter.
What is the Synaptic Cleft?
The space between the pre-synaptic and post-synaptic endings.
What does the Post-synaptic ending do?
Receives and responds to neurotransmitters.
What are the 3 main types of Neurons?
1) Motoneuron
2) Sensory neuron
3) Interneuron
What is the function of a Motoneuron?
It transmits motor messages, e.g. stimulating a muscle.
What is the function of a Sensory Neuron?
Transmits information of changes in environment e.g. Touch, light, odor.
What is the function of an Interneuron?
It is the connection between Motoneurons and Sensory Neurons.
What is the function of Glial Cells?
They help support and nourish Neurons.
What are the 3 main types of Glial cells?
1) Astrocytes
2) Oligodendrocytes
3) Microglial cells
What is the function of an Astrocyte?
Found in the brain and spinal cord, they nourish Neurons and provide a barrier between nervous tissue and blood.
What is the function of Oligodendrocytes?
Restricted to the Central nervous system, they lay down Myelin Sheath which coats Axons and aids their conduction speed.
What is the function of Microglial cells?
They are scavenger cells that remove debris and dead/damaged cells.
What is the PNS?
The Peripheral nervous system, this contains cranial, spinal and peripheral nerves AND Sensory and Motoneurons.
What is the ANS?
Automatic nervous system, this refers to our involuntary (automatic) processes and is composed of sympathetic and para-sympathetic divisions.
What does the Sympathetic Division of the ANS do?
Prepares the body for action, the “fight or flight” response.
What is the SNS?
Somatic nervous system, connects the brain to sensory organs.
What is an Afferent pathway?
Signals sent from the sensory organs to the brain (inwards).
What is an Efferent pathway?
Signals sent from the brain to muscles to produce movement (outwards).
