Neuroanatomy Flashcards
Describe the general organization of the nervous system (CNS vs PNS).
Central nervous system (CNS): brain + spinal cord
Peripheral nervous system (PNS): cranial nerves + nerves from spinal cord to periphery (muscles, organs, etc.)
What is the mass of the human brain app. (in g)?
1300-1500 g
What is the volume of the human brain app. (in ml)?
1200-1500 ml
How many neurons are there app. in the human brain?
100 billions
What’s the difference between gray- and white matter?
Gray: nuclei/soma/cell bodies
White: tracts
Describe the overall structure of a neuron.
Soma/cell body/perikaryon with multiple dendrites receiving signals from other neurons/cells, and one axon ending in one or multiple synapses, passing the signal
What is the difference between the axon hillock and the initial segment?
Both located in the begining of the axon:
Axon hillock is the anatomical start of the axon
The initial segment is the physiological start of the action potential
What is a collection of somas called in the CNS vs the PNS?
CNS: nucleus/cortex/gray matter
PNS: ganglion
What is a collection of axons called in the CNS vs the PNS?
CNS: tract/white matter
PNS: nerve
What does a Weigert staining stain?
Myelin –> white matter
What does a Mulligan staining stain?
Gray matter
What are the different anatomical planes in the CNS?
Horizontal, coronal/frontal, and sagittal (dividing the two hemipheres)
What are the anatomical directions in the human CNS, and why does it differ from e.g., that of a mouse?
Rostal/caudal: nose/tail
Dorsal/ventral: back/belly or top/bottom (this plane bends, is also referred to as superior/inferior and posterior/anterior)
It differs because the CNS is bend in humans, as we are standing on two legs, not four.
Describe the subdivisions of the brain.
Forebrain, brainstem and cerebellum
What are the subdivisions of the forebrain?
Telencephalon and diencephalon