Neuroanatomy Flashcards
Neuron
Composed of a cell body, dendrites, and usually one axon
Dendrite
Typically dendrites receive input
Axon
Typically axon transmits output to the next neuron
Neuron Cell Body
?
Synapse
where 2 neurons meet
Myelin
The thick coating along axons
•Allows action potentials to move
super fast thus facilitating rapid, efficient signals
Multiple Sclerosis
myelin disorder…..
Neurotransmitter
a chemical signal released into synapse by pre-
synaptic neuron & picked up by post-synaptic neuron
Different neurons are specialized for different neurotransmitters
FACT, true
Action Potential
?…
What are the 6 steps in the neuronal signaling pathway?
- Pre-synaptic cell releases neurotransmitter
- Neurotransmitter causes change in membrane of post-synaptic cell (depolarization)
- Currents flow through cell
•If depolarization is large enough, triggers an all or
none action potential
- Action potential propagates down axon
- Axon releases neurotransmitter into next synapse
Gyrus
Bump in the cortex
Sulcus
Groove in the cortex
Gray Matter
Consists of cell bodies
Why is the cortex folded?
Provides the most bang for the buck…
~Large surface area in small space
~Reduce axonal distance & connection times
Dura
Protect the brain
Means hard
What happens if blood flow is blocked to brain? (e.g. stroke, etc)
-Cortical areas supplied by that artery are damaged leading to cognitive functions being impaired
What is the role of the ventricles?
Ventricles contain Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)
which allows brain to “float”
-Helps regulate pressure
-Shock absorption
*Damage to ventricle system is dangerous
Homunculus
“little man.”
representation of the somatosensory cortex.
Tonotopic Map
think auditory
Retinotopic Map
think Spatial Location, sight, visual
Main functions of the cerebellum?
–Posture, walking, balance
–Smooth coordinated movements
Main functions of the brainstem?
•Midbrain:
–Sensory & motor relays
–Reflexes
–Neurotransmitter regulation
•Medulla & Pons
–Cranial nerves
–Motor, sensory, vestibular, arousal
•Cerebellum
–Posture, walking, balance
–Smooth coordinated movements
Main functions of the thalamus?
–Sensory relay station
–Receives input from (and sends output to) basal ganglia, cerebellum, medial temporal lobe, frontal/parietal
– Different parts of thalamus go to
different parts of cortex
