Neuroscience (1a) Flashcards
Neuroscience
Is the study of of the brain and nervous system
Neuroimaging
Techniques that aloe for studying brain activity and structure by obtaining visual images in awake humans
CT or CAT scans
Produce clear, detailed, 2D X-ray images of the brain and other organs
- better at detecting problems - strokes or blood vessel abnormalities; preferred for identifying many forms of cancer
- Faster to administer - so more useful in emergency’s
- cost less
MRI scans
Produce clearer images that CT scans and do not use radiation as CT scans does . Use magnetic field to produce anatomical pictures
DTI scans
It measures the orientation and integrity of white matter to asses damage in the brain and with the assistance of a computer, it procured a DTI colour map. (Can help with concussions as more conventional techniques no dot asses white matter)
Central nervous system
Consists of the brain and spinal cord
Peripheral nervous system
Made up of all the nerves throughout our bodies that deliver information back and forth between the periphery an the central nervous system
Neurons
Are the cells that carry information between the various parts of our bodies and nervous systems
Afferent Neruons
- aka sensory neurons
- Carry sensory information form the RECEPTORS in the skin/other organs —-> CNS
- Carry signals from the PNS to the CNS
Efferent neurons
- aka motor neurons
- Carry motor information from the brain —-> PNS
- Carry signals from the CNS to the PNS
- Exit
Interneurons
Neurons that connect two or more efferent neurons
somatic nervous system
Is made up of all the nerves that gather sensory information from all over the body (touch and pain) to deliver it to the spinal cord and brain
Autonomic nervous system
Operate mostly without conscious control or thought by the CNS. Both components of the ANS are made up of collections of nerve cells distributed throughout the body.
Sympathetic nervous system
Responsible for the flight or fight reaction, the physiological response that enables us to respond to potentially life-threatening situations
Parasympathetic nervous system
Reveres the effects of the sympathetic nervous system to return the body to its resting state
Spinal cord injury
Spinal cord injury occurs when the nerves that make up the spinal cord itself are damaged - the higher up the spinal cord the more traumatic the damage
Medulla
Important for basic bodily functions including respiration and heart rate regulation as well as regulating reflexes such as sneezing and coughing
- ciritcal for survival and normal functioning
- occur without conscious knowledge or control
Pons
Involved in sleep, dreaming breathing, smelling , eye movements, facial session, and expression.
Cerebellum
Important for motor coordination, certain types f learning involving movement , balance
Reticular formation
Regulates sleep-wake cycle, plays a. Role in wakefulness as well as level of arousal
- complex network of neuceli extending from the hindbrain
- anaesthetics
Substantial nigra
Is important for movement, neurons produce dopamine, ciritcal for fluidity of movement such as walking with a steady rhythm as well as inhabition of movement
- major structure damaged in Parkinson’s
Thalamus
Serve as relay stations for incoming sensory information
- LGN - visual information to the visual area of the cortex
- MGN - relaying auditory information to the auditory area of the cortex
Hypothalamus
Responsible for a number of motivated behaviours necessary for our survival.
- eating, drinking, sleep, sex, maternal behaviour
- critical for the control of the endocrine or hormonal system
Pituitary
Works with the hypothalamus to control hormones important for growth, reproduction, metabolism, stress
