Introduction to Neuroscience & Neuroanatomy – Lecture 1

These flashcards cover the key concepts from the lecture on Introduction to Neuroscience and Neuroanatomy, including branches of neuroscience, nervous system organization, anatomical planes, gray vs. white matter, regional anatomy, functional systems, and support structures such as CSF and meninges.

What does the field of neuroscience seek to understand?

The development, chemistry, structure, function, and pathologic characteristics of the nervous system.

Name the five major branches of neuroscience.

Molecular, Cellular, Systems, Behavioral, and Cognitive neuroscience.

Which branch of neuroscience focuses on the chemistry and physics involved in neural function?

Molecular neuroscience.

Which branch of neuroscience examines groups of neurons that perform a common function?

Systems neuroscience.

Which branch of neuroscience is concerned with thinking, learning, and memory?

Cognitive neuroscience.

List the five major sections of the course text as outlined in the lecture.

1) Neurology overview, 2) Cellular level, 3) Development, 4) Vertical systems, 5) Regions.

What are the two main divisions of the nervous system?

Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS).

Which structures make up the CNS?

Spinal cord, brainstem and cerebellar region, and cerebral region.

What structures belong to the PNS?

Spinal nerves and cranial nerves outside the CNS.

Name the three anatomical planes used to divide the nervous system.

Sagittal, Horizontal, and Coronal planes.

Which plane divides the brain into right and left portions?

The sagittal plane.

Which type of matter (gray or white) contains neuron cell bodies and dendrites?

Gray matter.

Where does information integration primarily occur in the CNS?

In gray matter.

What does white matter primarily consist of?

Axons and myelin.

What is the role of myelin?

It insulates axons to enhance electrical conduction, giving white matter its color due to high fat content.

Name the four gross anatomical regions of the nervous system highlighted in the lecture.

Peripheral region, Spinal region, Brainstem & cerebellum, and Cerebrum.

Define afferent axon.

An axon that carries information toward the CNS (sensory).

Define efferent axon.

An axon that carries information away from the CNS (motor).

Between which vertebral levels does the spinal cord extend, according to the lecture?

From the foramen magnum to approximately the L1 level.

State the two main functions of the spinal cord.

1) Convey information between peripheral nerves and the brain. 2) Process information locally.

Which horn of spinal gray matter contains interneurons and endings of sensory neurons?

The dorsal horn.

Which spinal gray matter horn contains autonomic cell bodies?

The lateral horn.

Which horn houses cell bodies of motor neurons?

The ventral horn.

List two vital functions regulated by clusters of neurons within the brainstem.

Equilibrium and cardiovascular activity (also respiration and others).

How many pairs of cranial nerves are there?

Twelve pairs.

From which part of the brain do most cranial nerves emerge?

The brainstem (10 of 12 pairs).

What is the primary function of the cerebellum?

To coordinate movements.

What structures connect the cerebellum to the brainstem?

Superior, middle, and inferior cerebellar peduncles.

Which fissure separates the two cerebral hemispheres?

The longitudinal fissure.

Name the six lobes of each cerebral hemisphere.

Frontal, Parietal, Temporal, Occipital, Insular, and Limbic lobes.

What are gyri and sulci?

Gyri are rounded elevations; sulci are grooves on the cerebral surface.

What are the four parts of the diencephalon?

Thalamus, Hypothalamus, Epithalamus, and Subthalamus.

Which diencephalic structure relays information to the cerebral cortex?

The thalamus.

Which structure maintains body temperature and metabolic rate?

The hypothalamus.

What is the collective name for the putamen and globus pallidus?

The lenticular nucleus.

Which two structures together are called the corpus striatum?

The caudate and putamen.

Name the two additional nuclei that complete the basal ganglia circuit outside the cerebral hemispheres.

Subthalamic nucleus (diencephalon) and substantia nigra (midbrain).

Which system is responsible for emotion and certain memory processing?

The limbic system.

What substance surrounds the brain and spinal cord, acting as a shock absorber?

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Name the four ventricles that contain CSF.

Two lateral ventricles, the third ventricle, and the fourth ventricle.

List the three meningeal layers from outermost to innermost.

Dura mater, Arachnoid mater, Pia mater.