Topic 8 Grey Matter Flashcards
What is the largest part of the brain?
The cerebrum
The cerebrum is involved in vision, learning, thinking, emotions, and movement.
What are the two halves of the cerebrum called?
Cerebral hemispheres
The cerebrum is divided into the right and left cerebral hemispheres.
What is the thin outer layer of the cerebrum called?
Cerebral cortex
The cortex has a large surface area and is highly folded to fit into the skull.
What functions does the cerebrum control?
- Vision
- Learning
- Thinking
- Emotions
- Movement
Different parts of the cerebrum are involved in different functions.
Where is the hypothalamus located?
Just beneath the middle part of the brain
The hypothalamus plays a critical role in homeostasis.
What is one key function of the hypothalamus?
Thermoregulation
The hypothalamus maintains body temperature at the normal level.
What does the hypothalamus produce that affects the pituitary gland?
Hormones
The pituitary gland is located just below the hypothalamus.
Where is the medulla oblongata located?
At the base of the brain, at the top of the spinal cord
The medulla oblongata is critical for automatic control of vital functions.
What vital functions does the medulla oblongata control?
- Breathing rate
- Heart rate
These functions are essential for survival.
What type of imaging technique uses radiation to visualize the brain?
Computed Tomography (CT)
CT scans show dense structures in the brain as light areas.
What can CT scans help diagnose?
Medical conditions related to the brain
They can reveal damaged brain structures.
What imaging technique produces detailed images without radiation?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
MRI scans provide high-resolution images of the brain.
Which part of the brain is responsible for coordinating movement and balance?
The cerebellum
The cerebellum is located underneath the cerebrum and also has a folded cortex.
Fill in the blank: The cerebellum is important for _______.
Coordinating movement and balance
Proper functioning of the cerebellum is crucial for motor control.
What is the main function of a CT scanner?
To produce cross-section images of the brain using X-rays
CT scans show major structures in the brain but do not indicate their functions directly.
What type of images do CT scans produce?
Cross-section images of the brain
CT scans can show damaged or diseased areas of the brain.
How do CT scans help in medical diagnosis?
They show damaged or diseased areas, such as bleeding after a stroke
Blood shows up as a lighter color on a CT scan due to different density.
What is a significant risk associated with CT scans?
They use X-rays, which can cause mutations in DNA
The risk of developing cancer from a CT scan is very low.
What technology do MRI scanners use to produce images?
Strong magnetic fields and radio waves
MRI scanners provide higher quality images compared to CT scans.
What advantage do MRI scans have over CT scans?
Higher quality images for soft tissue and better resolution between tissue types
MRIs can clearly differentiate between normal and abnormal brain tissue.
What can MRI scans reveal about brain tumors?
The size and location of the tumor
Tumor cells respond differently to magnetic fields than healthy cells, appearing lighter on the scan.
Fill in the blank: CT scans show _____ areas of the brain.
damaged or diseased
True or False: MRI scans can indicate brain function directly.
False
Brain function can only be inferred by examining damaged areas.
What can be inferred if a CT scan shows a patient can’t see?
The damaged area involved in vision
This inference is based on the relationship between structure and function.
What is the primary use of CT scans in medical diagnosis?
To identify bleeding and its extent in the brain
This helps determine which blood vessels are damaged and related brain functions affected.
What does an MRI scan provide?
A detailed, high resolution picture of the brain’s structure
MRI scans can also be used to research brain function.
How does an fMRI scan work?
It measures brain activity by detecting changes associated with blood flow
Active areas of the brain are highlighted during specific tasks.
What can MRI scans show in terms of medical diagnosis?
Damaged or diseased areas of the brain and conditions caused by abnormal activity
Some conditions may not have an obvious structural cause.
What is the purpose of using an fMRI scan before and during a seizure?
To pinpoint which part of the brain is not functioning properly
This assists in determining the cause of the seizure.
What does a PET scan use to show brain activity?
Radioactive material
A radioactive tracer is introduced into the body and absorbed into the tissues.
How does a PET scan build a map of radioactivity?
By detecting the radioactivity of the tracer
Different tracers can be used for various metabolic studies.
What is a common tracer used in PET scans?
Radioactively labelled glucose
It is used to examine glucose metabolism in the brain.
What condition can PET scans help study?
Alzheimer’s disease
They show reduced metabolism in certain brain areas.
True or False: PET scans can show if areas of the brain are unusually inactive or active.
True
This helps in studying disorders that affect brain activity.
Fill in the blank: MRI scans can help assess suspected _______ in the brain.
bleeding
MRI scans provide detailed information about bleeding.
What type of information can a doctor get from an MRI scan regarding bleeding?
Information about the location and extent of the bleeding
This is crucial for effective treatment.
What brain function is typically investigated using an fMRI scan?
Movement of body parts
For example, moving the left hand activates specific brain areas.
What is the primary advantage of using fMRI over traditional MRI?
It allows real-time observation of brain activity during tasks
This provides insights into functional areas of the brain.
Which side of the brain controls the left side of the body?
The right side
This is why the right side is active when the left hand moves.
What is habituation?
Habituation is a type of learned behavior where an animal reduces its response to an unimportant stimulus after repeated exposure over time.
It helps animals conserve energy and focus on more critical survival activities.
Why is habituation important for animals?
Habituation increases the chance of survival by allowing animals to differentiate between important and unimportant stimuli.
This helps them avoid wasting energy on non-threatening stimuli.
Give an example of habituation in prairie dogs.
Prairie dogs use alarm calls to warn others of a predator but have habituated to humans, no longer making alarm calls when they see them.
This demonstrates that they do not perceive humans as a threat.
What happens to an animal’s response to an unimportant stimulus when habituation occurs?
The animal learns to ignore the unimportant stimulus, leading to a reduced response over time.
This allows them to engage in other survival activities, such as feeding.
How can you demonstrate habituation in a snail?
Gently brush something soft across the snail’s skin and time how long it takes for the snail to fully extend its tentacles again after being touched.
Repeating this process will show quicker re-extension if habituation has occurred.
What physiological changes occur during habituation?
Fewer electrical impulses are sent to effectors due to reduced calcium ion influx and decreased neurotransmitter release.
This results in a lower chance of reaching the action potential threshold on the postsynaptic membrane.
Fill in the blank: Habituation allows animals to conserve energy by _______.
[ignoring unimportant stimuli]
True or False: Habituation means that animals become less alert to all stimuli.
False
Animals remain alert to important stimuli that could threaten their survival.
What is the effect of repeated exposure to a stimulus on neurotransmitter release during habituation?
Repeated exposure decreases the amount of neurotransmitter released from vesicles into the synaptic cleft.
This results in fewer signals sent to effectors.
Why do snails still react to unfamiliar stimuli even after habituation?
Snails remain alert to unfamiliar stimuli, which may pose a threat, leading to a withdrawal response.
This shows that habituation does not mean complete unresponsiveness.
What is the visual cortex?
An area of the cerebral cortex at the back of the brain that receives and processes visual information.
What are ocular dominance columns?
Grouped neurones in the visual cortex that receive information from either the left or right eye.
What are the two types of ocular dominance columns?
- Left ocular dominance columns
- Right ocular dominance columns
How are ocular dominance columns arranged?
In an alternating pattern (left, right, left, right) across the visual cortex.
Who studied the visual cortex and how?
Hubel and Wiesel used animal models to study the electrical activity of neurones in the visual cortex.
What did Hubel and Wiesel find about ocular dominance columns in kittens?
The stitched-up eye was blind, and the columns for the open eye were larger than normal.
What happens when one eye is stitched shut in young kittens?
The ocular dominance columns for the stitched-up eye become smaller, and those for the open eye expand.
What were the results of stitching shut an adult cat’s eye?
The adult cat’s eye did not go blind, and ocular dominance columns remained the same.
What do Hubel and Wiesel’s experiments suggest about visual cortex development?
The visual cortex develops normal ocular dominance columns only if both eyes are stimulated early in life.
What is the critical period in visual development?
A period in early life when exposure to visual stimuli is essential for proper visual cortex development.
What did scientists find about cataracts in infants?
Cataracts must be removed within the first few months for normal visual system development.
What happens to adults with cataracts when they are removed?
Normal vision returns immediately because the visual system is already developed.
Fill in the blank: Hubel and Wiesel’s experiments provide evidence for a _______ in humans.
[critical period]
True or False: The human visual cortex has ocular dominance columns.
True
What occurs to synapses during the critical period?
Synapses that are not used are removed from the visual cortex.
What is the significance of visual stimuli during the critical period?
They are crucial for the proper organization of the visual cortex.
What did Hubel and Wiesel’s experiments demonstrate about visual stimulation?
They showed that lack of visual stimulation can lead to blindness in the non-stimulated eye.
What are some arguments against using animal models in experiments?
- Animals are different from humans
- Different species may have varying brain structures
What are alternative methods to study visual development in humans?
- Observing cataracts
- Studying children with visual impairments
What are ocular dominance columns?
They are structures in the visual cortex that process visual information from each eye.
Ocular dominance columns are essential for understanding how the brain processes visual stimuli.
Where in the brain are ocular dominance columns found?
In the visual cortex.
What is the significance of visual stimulation during the critical period of development?
Visual stimulation is necessary for the proper organisation of neurones in the visual cortex.
What happens to synapses that receive visual stimulation during the critical period?
They are retained.
What happens to synapses that do not receive visual stimulation during the critical period?
They are removed.
What is the consequence of a lack of visual stimulation during the critical period?
The visual cortex will not develop properly as many synapses will be destroyed.
List two arguments against using animals in medical research.
- Animals may experience pain and distress
- Animals are different from humans, so drug effects may vary.
List two arguments for using animals in medical research.
- Research has led to significant medical breakthroughs
- Animal experiments are only conducted when absolutely necessary.
True or False: Hubel and Wiesel conducted their experiments on humans.
False.
What ethical issues arise from using animals in medical research?
Concerns about animal rights and the potential for causing pain and distress.
Fill in the blank: Proper organisation of the visual cortex involves the elimination of unnecessary _______.
[synapses].
What do Hubel and Wiesel’s experiments provide evidence for?
A critical period in the development of the visual system.
What is a critical period in the context of visual system development?
A specific time frame during which visual stimulation is crucial for proper development.
What kind of pattern are ocular dominance columns arranged in?
A striped pattern corresponding to the input from the left and right eyes.
Describe one piece of evidence that suggests a critical ‘window’ exists for human visual system development.
Evidence from animal studies, such as those by Hubel and Wiesel, indicates a period where visual input is essential.
What alternatives exist to using animals in research?
- Cultures of human cells
- Computer models to predict effects.
What did Hubel and Wiesel’s experiments on kittens and monkeys reveal?
They provided significant insights into the development of the visual cortex.
Fill in the blank: The visual cortex is organized during the critical period based on _______ stimulation.
[visual].
What role do painkillers and anaesthetics play in animal experiments?
They minimize pain and distress to the animals.
What is brain development?
How the brain grows and how neurones connect together.
What are measures of brain development?
Measures include the size of the brain, the number of neurones, and the level of brain function (e.g. speech, intelligence).
What is the nature-nurture debate?
The argument about whether nature or nurture influences brain development the most.
Why is it difficult to investigate the effects of nature and nurture?
Genetic and environmental factors interact, making it hard to know which one is the main influence.
What are two key factors that complicate the study of nature and nurture?
The existence of many different genes and various environmental factors.
What is one method scientists use to investigate brain development?
Animal experiments.
How do animal experiments help study nurture?
By studying the effects of different environments on genetically similar animals.
What do studies on rats raised in stimulating environments suggest?
Nurture plays a big role in brain size and the development of problem-solving skills.
What do studies suggest about rats reared in isolation?
They exhibit brain abnormalities similar to those found in schizophrenic patients, indicating the influence of nurture.
What effect does the absence of the Lgli gene have on mice?
It leads to enlarged brain regions and fluid buildup in their brains, suggesting nature’s role in brain development.
What is the significance of twin studies in understanding brain development?
They allow comparison of brain development between genetically identical individuals raised in different environments.
What do IQ scores of identical twins suggest?
Nature plays a big role in intelligence.
What is a limitation of comparing identical twins raised separately?
They still share the same environment in the womb, complicating the separation of environmental and genetic factors.
What does the comparison between identical and non-identical twins help determine?
It helps to cancel out environmental influences and assess the role of nature.
What does the higher incidence of stuttering in identical twins suggest?
Nature plays a significant role in developing the speech area of the brain.
What does the lack of difference in reading ability between identical and non-identical twins suggest?
Nurture plays a big role in reading ability.
Fill in the blank: The _______ is the argument about whether nature or nurture influences brain development the most.
nature-nurture debate.
What are the two main influences on brain development?
Nature and nurture
Nature refers to genetic factors, while nurture refers to environmental influences.
What do cross-cultural studies reveal about brain development?
Differences in brain development are more likely due to nurture, while similarities are more likely due to nature
Cross-cultural studies compare children from different cultures to assess the impact of upbringing.
What abilities are newborn babies born with?
Crying, feeding, and recognizing a human face
These abilities suggest that nature plays a significant role in these functions.
True or False: Newborn babies have the ability to speak.
False
This indicates that nurture plays a significant role in the ability to speak.
How does brain damage affect children’s brain development?
Children can still develop functions despite brain damage, suggesting nurture plays a role
Studies indicate that children with brain damage can eventually reach language milestones similar to those without damage.
Fill in the blank: The brain of a newborn baby has been affected a bit by the _______.
environment in the womb
What can scientists study by comparing children with and without brain damage?
The development of specific functions
This comparison helps determine if development is influenced more by nature or nurture.
What happens to language development in children aged 1-3 with brain damage?
They show a delay in major language milestones
However, by age 5, their language skills can become comparable to those without damage.
What is the significance of determining whether characteristics are influenced more by nature or nurture?
It helps in figuring out how to improve brain function by changing the environment
Understanding the influence can guide interventions for developmental issues.
What is meant by ‘nature’ in the context of brain development studies?
Genetic factors that influence brain functions
Nature encompasses inherited traits and biological predispositions.
Describe two other types of studies that could be used to research nature and nurture on brain development.
Twin studies and adoption studies
These studies help isolate genetic influences from environmental ones.
What are neurotransmitters?
Chemicals that transmit nerve impulses across synapses.
How are depression and serotonin levels related?
Depression is linked to a low level of serotonin.
What is Parkinson’s disease?
A brain disorder that affects motor skills.
What neurotransmitter is associated with Parkinson’s disease?
Dopamine.
What happens to neurons in the brain of a person with Parkinson’s disease?
Neurons that control movement are destroyed.
How do selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) work?
They increase serotonin levels by preventing its reuptake at synapses.
What is L-dopa used for?
To treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
Why can’t dopamine be directly administered to treat Parkinson’s disease?
Dopamine can’t enter the brain.
What does L-dopa get converted into in the brain?
Dopamine.
What is the effect of increased dopamine levels in the brain?
More nerve impulses are transmitted across synapses, improving movement control.
What is MDMA commonly known as?
Ecstasy.
How does MDMA affect serotonin levels?
It increases serotonin levels by inhibiting its reuptake and triggering its release.
What is the primary effect of MDMA on mood?
Mood elevation.
Fill in the blank: A low level of the neurotransmitter _______ is linked to depression.
serotonin.
True or False: L-dopa directly replaces serotonin in the brain.
False.
What are the symptoms caused by a lack of dopamine in Parkinson’s disease?
Tremors and slow movement.
What enzyme converts L-dopa into dopamine?
Dopa-decarboxylase.
Fill in the blank: MDMA binds to and blocks the _______ proteins on the presynaptic membrane.
reuptake.
What is the Human Genome Project (HGP)?
A 13-year project that identified all of the genes found in human DNA.
Where is the information obtained from the Human Genome Project stored?
In databases.
How do scientists use the databases from the Human Genome Project?
To identify genes and proteins involved in disease.
What is an example of a drug being developed using information from the Human Genome Project?
A drug that inhibits an enzyme helping cancer cells to spread.
What do common genetic variations identified by the HGP affect?
The effectiveness of some drugs.
What are personalized medicines?
Drugs designed to be tailored to people with specific genetic variations.
How can doctors personalize a patient’s treatment?
By using genetic information to predict drug response.
True or False: The development of drugs for specific genetic variations may lead to a two-tier health service.
True
What might happen if a person’s genetic makeup indicates that an expensive drug will not be effective?
They might be refused the drug, even if it’s the only option available.
What ethical issue arises from the information held within a person’s genome?
It could be used by employers or insurance companies to discriminate.
How can revealing that a drug might not work for a person be psychologically damaging?
It could diminish their hope for treating a disease.
Fill in the blank: A disorder linked to a low level of serotonin is _______.
Parkinson’s disease
Describe one way that MDMA increases the level of serotonin in the brain.
MDMA releases more serotonin into the synaptic cleft.
Name a drug used to treat Parkinson’s disease.
Levodopa
Explain the role of dopamine in controlling movement.
Dopamine transmits signals that coordinate movement and balance.
Describe and explain the effects that Parkinson’s disease has on the brain.
It leads to the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons.
Give three ethical issues surrounding the development of personalized medicines.
- Increased research costs for drug companies
- Potential discrimination based on genetic information
- Psychological impact of knowing a drug won’t work
True or False: Chocolate can also increase serotonin levels.
True
What is the impact of genetic variations on asthma drugs?
Some asthma drugs are less effective for people with particular mutations.
What are genetically modified organisms (GMOs)?
Organisms that have had their DNA altered
GMOs are used in various applications, including drug production.
What types of drugs can be produced by genetically modified organisms?
Only drugs that are proteins
This includes various therapeutic proteins such as insulin.
What is the first step in genetically engineering microorganisms to produce drugs?
Isolating the gene for the protein using restriction enzymes
Restriction enzymes are enzymes that cut DNA at specific sequences.
What process is used to copy the gene for the drug?
PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)
PCR is a technique used to amplify a segment of DNA.
What are plasmids?
Small circular molecules of DNA
Plasmids are often used as vectors to transfer genetic material.
What is the role of plasmids in drug production using GMOs?
Plasmids are transferred into microorganisms to produce proteins
The modified microorganisms then divide and produce the useful protein.
Give an example of a drug produced from genetically modified bacteria.
Human insulin
Human insulin is used to treat Type 1 diabetes.
What is the first step in genetically engineering plants to produce drugs?
Inserting the gene for the protein into a bacterium
The bacterium acts as a vector to transfer the gene.
How does the bacterium modify the plant cell?
The bacterium inserts the gene into the plant cell DNA
This results in the plant cell becoming genetically modified.
What is a way the protein produced in genetically modified plants can be used?
Purified from the plant tissues or delivered by eating the plant
This method allows for the direct consumption of therapeutic proteins.
What is the first step in genetically engineering animals to produce drugs?
Injecting the gene into the nucleus of a fertilized animal egg cell
This process allows for the gene to be incorporated into the animal’s genome.
How is the gene expressed in genetically modified animals?
The egg cell is implanted into an adult animal
The animal grows with the gene present in every cell.
Where is the protein produced by genetically modified animals typically purified from?
The milk of the animal
This method is commonly used for proteins that can be secreted into milk.
True or False: Genetically modified plants can produce human insulin.
True
Some genetically modified plants have been engineered to produce insulin.