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Introduction To Neuroscience > Neuroanatomy > Flashcards

Neuroanatomy Flashcards

1
Q

What are the four main parts of a neuron?

A

Input (Dendrites), Integration (Cell body or soma), Conduction (Axon), Output (Axon terminals)

Each part has a specific function: Dendrites receive information, the cell body integrates it, the axon conducts the signal, and axon terminals communicate with other cells.

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2
Q

How are neurons classified by structure?

A

Multipolar neurons, Bipolar neurons, Unipolar neurons

Multipolar neurons have one axon and many dendrites; bipolar neurons have one axon and one dendrite; unipolar neurons have a single extension that branches into input and output zones.

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3
Q

What are the key components of a synapse?

A

Presynaptic membrane, Postsynaptic membrane, Synaptic cleft

The presynaptic membrane is on the axon terminal of the presynaptic neuron, while the postsynaptic membrane is on the dendrite or cell body of the postsynaptic neuron.

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4
Q

List the four principal types of glial cells and their basic functions.

A
  • Oligodendrocytes: myelin sheaths in the CNS
  • Schwann cells: myelin in the PNS
  • Astrocytes: support and nutrition
  • Microglia: remove debris

Glial cells provide support, insulation, and participate in information processing.

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5
Q

What is the function of the axon hillock?

A

Converts input into electrical signals

The axon hillock is the cone-shaped area of the cell body that initiates action potentials.

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6
Q

What is the difference between the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

A

CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord; PNS includes all other parts outside the CNS

The PNS connects the CNS to the limbs and organs.

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7
Q

What are the two divisions of the autonomic nervous system?

A
  • Sympathetic nervous system
  • Parasympathetic nervous system

The sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for ‘fight-or-flight,’ while the parasympathetic system promotes ‘rest-and-digest.’

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8
Q

What are cranial nerves and how many pairs are there?

A

12 pairs

Cranial nerves innervate the head, neck, and visceral organs directly from the brain.

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9
Q

Which cranial nerves are exclusively sensory?

A
  • Olfactory (I)
  • Optic (II)
  • Vestibulocochlear (VIII)

These nerves are involved in smell, vision, and hearing/balance respectively.

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10
Q

What are the two types of brain tissue?

A
  • Gray matter
  • White matter

Gray matter contains cell bodies and dendrites; white matter consists mostly of axons with myelin sheaths.

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11
Q

What are the four lobes of the cerebral hemispheres?

A
  • Frontal
  • Parietal
  • Occipital
  • Temporal

Each lobe has distinct functions such as motor control, sensory processing, and vision.

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12
Q

Fill in the blank: The _______ is a bundle of axons that connects the two cerebral hemispheres.

A

Corpus callosum

This structure facilitates communication between the left and right sides of the brain.

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13
Q

What is the role of the basal ganglia?

A

Motor control

It consists mainly of the caudate nucleus, putamen, and globus pallidus.

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14
Q

What are the major structures of the limbic system?

A
  • Amygdala
  • Hippocampus
  • Cingulate gyrus
  • Olfactory bulb

These structures are important for emotion, learning, and the sense of smell.

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15
Q

True or False: The sympathetic nervous system helps the body relax and recuperate.

A

False

The sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for action, while the parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for relaxation.

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16
Q

What is neural plasticity?

A

The continual remodeling of neuronal connections

This process is vital for learning and adaptation.

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17
Q

What is the function of neurotransmitter receptors?

A

React to neurotransmitter molecules

These receptors are located in the postsynaptic membrane and are crucial for signal transmission.

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18
Q

What is the olfactory bulb responsible for?

A

Sense of smell

The olfactory bulb is a neural structure involved in the sense of smell.

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19
Q

What is the function of the thalamus?

A

Relay sensory information

The thalamus is a cluster of nuclei that plays a critical role in relaying sensory information to the appropriate areas of the brain.

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20
Q

What is the role of the hypothalamus?

A

Contains nuclei with many functions, controls the pituitary

The hypothalamus is involved in various regulatory functions including temperature control, hunger, and hormone release.

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21
Q

What sensory processing occurs in the superior colliculi?

A

Visual processing

The superior colliculi are part of the tectum in the midbrain and are primarily involved in processing visual information.

22
Q

What sensory processing occurs in the inferior colliculi?

A

Auditory processing

The inferior colliculi are responsible for processing auditory information in the midbrain.

23
Q

What is the substantia nigra part of?

A

Basal ganglia

The substantia nigra is a critical component of the basal ganglia, involved in motor control and reward pathways.

24
Q

What is the function of the reticular formation?

A

Involved with sleep and arousal

The reticular formation plays a key role in regulating wakefulness and sleep-wake transitions.

25
What is the function of the periaqueductal gray?
Pain perception ## Footnote The periaqueductal gray is involved in the modulation of pain and defensive behavior.
26
What does the connectome represent?
Network map describing all functional connections among brain regions ## Footnote The connectome is a comprehensive map of neural connections in the brain.
27
What are the three protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord called?
Meninges ## Footnote The meninges consist of the dura mater, arachnoid membrane, and pia mater.
28
What is the dura mater?
Tough outermost layer of the meninges ## Footnote The dura mater provides a protective barrier for the brain and spinal cord.
29
What is the pia mater?
Delicate innermost layer of the meninges ## Footnote The pia mater closely adheres to the surface of the brain and spinal cord.
30
What is the role of the arachnoid membrane?
Lies between the other two meninges and is filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) ## Footnote The arachnoid membrane helps cushion the brain and spinal cord.
31
What is meningitis?
Acute infection of the meninges ## Footnote Meningitis can cause severe inflammation and can be life-threatening.
32
What is the function of the ventricular system?
Series of chambers filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) ## Footnote The ventricular system helps protect the brain and remove waste.
33
What is the choroid plexus?
Membrane that produces cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) ## Footnote The choroid plexus is located within the ventricles of the brain.
34
What does CSF circulate over?
Brain and spinal cord ## Footnote CSF provides cushioning and nutrient delivery to the central nervous system.
35
What is the glymphatic system?
Drains waste in CSF-derived fluids during sleep ## Footnote The glymphatic system is crucial for maintaining brain health.
36
What is a stroke caused by?
Rupture or blockage of blood vessels ## Footnote A stroke leads to insufficient oxygen supply to the brain.
37
List common warning signs of a stroke.
* Sudden numbness or weakness * Altered vision * Dizziness * Severe headache * Confusion or difficulty speaking ## Footnote Recognizing these signs can facilitate prompt medical intervention.
38
What are the two main types of experimental techniques?
* Invasive * Noninvasive ## Footnote Invasive techniques involve altering the body, while noninvasive techniques do not.
39
What do Nissl stains help visualize?
Cell bodies ## Footnote Nissl stains are used in histology to identify neuronal cell bodies.
40
What does autoradiography reveal?
Cells that exhibit a specific property ## Footnote Autoradiography is used to track the distribution of substances within tissues.
41
What is the purpose of tract tracers?
Help visualize neural pathways ## Footnote Tract tracers are used to map connections between different brain regions.
42
What does a computerized axial tomography (CAT) scan measure?
X-ray absorption at several positions around the head ## Footnote CAT scans create detailed anatomical maps of the brain.
43
What does magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provide?
Higher resolution images, fewer damaging effects than CT ## Footnote MRI is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses magnetic fields.
44
What does functional MRI (fMRI) detect?
Small changes in brain metabolism, such as oxygen use ## Footnote fMRI is useful for studying active brain areas and their functions.
45
What is the role of positron emission tomography (PET)?
Gives images of brain activity ## Footnote PET scans show the distribution of radioactive chemicals in the bloodstream.
46
What is transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)?
Briefly stimulates discrete cortical regions ## Footnote TMS is used to study the effects of stimulation on behavior.
47
What is reductionism?
A method that breaks a system down into increasingly smaller parts ## Footnote Reductionism is used to understand complex systems by examining their components.
48
What are the three types of study designs in behavioral neuroscience?
* Somatic intervention * Behavioral intervention * Correlation ## Footnote These designs help researchers explore the relationships between brain and behavior.
49
What does a control group do in an experiment?
Is identical to the experimental group except that they do not experience any alteration or treatment ## Footnote Control groups are essential for comparing the effects of the experimental treatment.
50
What is the independent variable in a somatic intervention study?
The structure or function that is being altered ## Footnote The independent variable is manipulated to observe its effects on behavior.
51
What does correlation measure?
How closely the body and behavior measures covary ## Footnote Correlation does not imply causation but shows relationships between variables.

Introduction To Neuroscience (1 decks)

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