Principles of Neuroscience Flashcards
Neuroscience
the study of the neuron, nerves, and nervous system
Branches of Neuroscience
Neurology Neurosurgery Neuroanatomy Neuroradiology Neuroembryology Neuropathology
Neurology
Study of diseases that disrupt the normal structural and physiological aspects of the nervous system
Neurosuregery
surgical removal of dysfunctioning structures
Neuroanatomy
study of structural framework for the nervous system
Neuroradiology
imaging techniques for differentiating pathologies and treatment (tx)
*CT scans, MRI, etc.
Neuroembryology
study of the development of the nervous system
Teratology
study of fetal malformations, cranial malformations
Are dendrites different in the brains of people with ASD?
Yes
At what week do all the brain structures emerge in a fetus
7 weeks
Neuropathology
study of the origins of diseases of the nervous system
Principles of the human brain
Interconnectivity Centrality of CNS Laterality Functional Networking Topographical Representation Neuroplasticity
Interconnectivity
the brain’s neurons connect association areas, primary cortical areas and cortical association areas to create tracts, pathways, and networks
Association and commissural fibers
Semantic Feature Analysis
Using auditory, visual, phonetic, and sensory stimuli to make somebody understand what you are talking about
CNS
responsible for integrating app incoming and outgoing information and for formulating responses to information received
All decision-making happens in the CNS by analyzing and synthesizing multiple sources of information to generate a distinct response
Volitional
the cognitive process by which an individual decides on and commits to a particular course of action
Reflex
an elicited, environmental response
How is the CNS organized
A hierarchy
Lower level structures are responsible for lower functions– and these lower structures are influenced by structures higher up in the CNS
SC
Lowest level of the CNS
Simple sensory and motor functions (reflexes
Brainstem and Diencephalon
intermediate level
house systems that regulate consciousness, blood pressure, sleep, neurotransmitters ect
Cerebral Cortex
highest level
Complex sensorimotor integration, decision making
3 subprinciples of laterality
Bilateral anatomical symmetry
Unilateral functional differences
Contralateral sensorimotor control
Bilateral anatomical symmetry
Both hemispheres are essentially similar with only a few minor differences (planum temporal)
Planum temporal
In 65% of all individuals the left planum temporale appears to be more developed, while the right planum temporale is more developed in only 10%. It is a triangular region which forms the heart of Wernicke’s area, one of the most important functional areas for language. It plays an important role in auditory processing with recent research suggesting that the region is responsible for representing the location of sounds in space
Unilateral functional differences
Immediately following birth both hemispheres have equal potential to develop functions and skills
BUT… during the first 2 years of life, each hemisphere acquires a preference for certain functions
Left Hemisphere
Language
Speech
Analytical Processing
Right Hemisphere
Emotions Musical skills Metaphors Humor Temporal-spatial attributes Regulation of paralinguistic features
Contralateral Sensorimotor Control
All sensory and motor fibers in the nervous system decussate (cross) the midline
Sensory info from right half of body projects to left sensory cortex AND
Left motor cortex controls movement in the right half of the body
