Lecture 6: How to study neurons and brains

Question 1

How can we carry out neurological diagnosis?

Answer 1

we can correlate structure and function

localise the location of damage by site-specific functions

Question 2

What does the neurological exam include?

Answer 2

general observations / patient reports of nervous system dysfunction
specific functional tests to localise the site of nervous system dysfunction

Question 3

Which neurological tests are specific for checking motor / sensory dysfunction?

Answer 3

checking segmental and primitive reflexes
checking strength, symmetry, palsy
checking cranial nerves
checking balance, posture, gait

Question 4

Which neurological tests are specific for checking sensation?

Answer 4

pin prick

cotton ball

Question 5

Which neurological tests are specific for checking cognition?

Answer 5

language, orientation, memory

Question 6

What question can be asked that would help us learn about the nervous system?

Answer 6

how do ensembles of neurons and glial cells mediate the functions of the nervous system?

Question 7

What is a key concept in all measurement?

Answer 7

resolution: how finely it is possible to discern differences

Question 8

What does the diffraction of light result in?

Answer 8

interference patterns

Question 9

What is a broader method of understanding neurological processes?

Answer 9

looking at a global phenomena of interest (depression, memory or loss of cognitive function) and trying to discover whether that can be subdivided and understood as subprocesses which lead to the overall function

Question 10

What do modern techniques enable?

Answer 10

collection of data on structure and function at all relevant levels of spatial and temporal resolution