MCAT Brain and Imaging Studies Flashcards
Nature v. Nurture
Two influences on prenatal development.
Nature = our genes
Nurture = our environment
The moro reflex ( startle reflex)
In babies when you startle them they throw their head back, extend their arms and legs and clench them to their body.
Rooting reflex
A reflex that happens when a baby is stroked on the cheek, they turn their head and open their mouth.
Babinski reflex
A reflex in which when a baby’s foot is stroked, they bend their big toe back and fan their toes outward.
Gross motor skills v. Fine motor skills
Gross motor skills involve large motor skills while fine motor skills involve more precise movements.
By elementary age they can grasp and manipulate small items.
CT Scans v. MRI Scans
CT scans (computerized topography) and CAT (computerized axial topography) scans analyze brains structures by taking x-ray images take from different angles.
MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging) uses powerful magnets to create a more detailed image of the brain. They create a more detailed image than CT or CAT scans.
Describe PET Scans
Positron emission topography.
Used to analyze brain region functioning by injecting a radioactive glucose tracer and measuring the metabolism in the brain region by measuring the number of positrons emitted.
Describe fMRI
functional Magnetic resonance imaging.
Uses a magnet to measure the amount of blood that moves to an active brain region due to the need of more oxygen.
EEG
Electroencephalography.
Utilizes electrodes placed on the scalp which measure the electrical activity between neurons.
ESB and Lesioning
Electrical stimulating of the brain stimulates precise brain regions to see what physiological responses they control.
Lesioning is a way to study brain regions and what behavior they control by destroying those areas.
What are the three brain regions?
Forebrain (prosencephalon)
Midbrain (mesencephalon)
Hindbrain ( rhombencephalon)
What structures are contained in the forebrain?
Contains the cerebrum (the two brain hemispheres), basal ganglia (involved in initiating voluntary movement, olfactory bulb, and pineal gland, and the limbic system.
Components of the limbic system
Amygdala - involved in aggression and emotions such as fear.
Hypothalamus- releases hormones and controls A. pituitary release.
Hippocampus- involved in learning and memory.
Thalamus - responsible for processing and relaying sensory information.
What is the midbrain?
Area of the brainstem connects the brain to the spinal cord. The superior colliculus and inferior colliculus are held here.
The substantia nigra and VTA (ventral tegmental area) are part of these areas as well. These are areas of high dopaminergic neurons.
Describe the substantia nigra
They extend into the basal ganglia where they help with initiating voluntary movements.
