Neuroscience II

Question 1

Structure of Brain

Answer 1

Dorsal: Back of axis
Ventral: Front of axis
Rostral: Towards top of axis
Caudal: Bottom of axis
Medial: Areas that are more central or towards the midline of the brain
Lateral: Regions toward the outside of the brain

Question 2

Lesion Studies Pros/Cons

Answer 2

P: A direct measure of a brain structure’s function
C: Hard to selectively target particular regions and draw conclusions

Question 3

Single Cell Recording

Answer 3

Small electrode inserted into the nervous tissue with the tip held just outside the cell body of an individual neuron. Nural activity is recorded while a task is performed, or a stimulus is presented

Question 4

Structural Neuroimaging Techniques

Answer 4

CT Scan: A series of X-ray slices of the brain are taken and pieced together to produce a relatively quick and inexpensive picture of the brain (Diagnose brain injury)
MRI: used to localize tissue precisely throughout the brain (Longer and more expensive)

Question 5

Functional Neuroimaging Techniques

Answer 5

PET Scans: A radioactive tracer of glucose or oxygen is injected into the bloodstream (Invasive) relates to cognitive tasks like language and memory
fMRI: Measures the blood oxygen dependant signal and uses many of the same principles as the MRI. Able to measure the relative use of oxygen throughout the brain
EEG: recorded through the scalp by wearing a cap of very sensitive electrodes (nosy and difficult to interpret)

Question 6

Hindbrain

Answer 6

At base of the skull. Consists of medulla, pons, reticular formation, and the cerebellum.
- Primarily involved in the regulation of vital bodily functions

Question 7

Medulla

Answer 7

Functions to regulate breathing, digestion, heart rate, and autonomic reflexes

Question 8

Pons

Answer 8

Movement, auditory perception, and emotional processing

Question 9

Reticular Formation

Answer 9

Arousal and motivation, circadian rhythms, and posture and balance.

Question 10

Cerebellum

Answer 10

Facilitates coordinated movement

Question 11

Midbrain

Answer 11

Relatively small region that lies between the hindbrain and the forebrain
- Contains Tectum and tegmentum

Question 12

Tectum

Answer 12

Contains two primary structures
- Superior Colliculus: Involved in eye movements and visual reflexes.
- Inferior Colliculus: Involved in auditory integration

Question 13

Tegmentum

Answer 13

Includes Red nuclus and substantia nigra
- Red Nucleus: Contributes to motor control
- Substantia Nigra: Plays a role in reward related behaviours through the release of the neurotransmitter, dopamine

Question 14

Forebrain

Answer 14

Largest region of brain

Question 15

Hypothalamus

Answer 15

Controls several integrative functions
- Exhibits regulatory roles through neurons via connections with pituitary gland

Question 16

Pituitary Gland

Answer 16

lies inferior to the hypothalamus
- Two subregions (anterior and posterior)

Question 17

Anterior Pituitrary Gland

Answer 17

Receives signals form the brain, usually via the hypothalamus and releases stimulating hormones to regulate other important endocrine glands

Question 18

Posterior Pituitary Gland

Answer 18

The extension of the hypothalamus and releases two hormones: oxytocin and vasopressin

Question 19

Oxytocin

Answer 19

Involved in basic physiological functions (lactation, and uterine contractions).
- May also play a role in bonding love and trust

Question 20

Vasopressin

Answer 20

Vital blood hormone that regulates levels of thirst by interacting with the kidneys to regulate glucose levels

Question 21

Thalamus

Answer 21

Axons from every sensory modality synapse in the thalamus, which processes and relays the information selectively to areas of the cerebral cortex
- in center of brain

Question 22

Amygdala

Answer 22

Receives sensory information and plays a role in decoding emotions, particularly stimuli that may be threatening
- below surface of temporal lobe

Question 23

Hippocampus

Answer 23

Involved in the process of memory
- in temporal lobe

Question 24

Cerebral Cortex

Answer 24

Controls information processing and cognition.
Folds over itself and forms the gyri and sulci

Question 25

Gyri

Answer 25

Often linked to specific mental functions

Question 26

Sulci

Answer 26

Useful in indicating where neural tissue responsible for one function ends and the next function begin

Question 27

Frontal Lobe

Answer 27

Front of brain.
Processes decision making and higher-order thoughts

Question 28

Occipital Love

Answer 28

Very back of brain.
Exclusively responsible for visual processing

Question 29

Parietal Lobe

Answer 29

Between the frontal and occipital lobe
Processes touch and spatial location.

Question 30

Temporal Lobe

Answer 30

Wraps around both sides of the brain near your temples
Processes visual stimuli and primary auditory cortex