Neuroscience and Research Methods Flashcards

Flashcards reviewing neuroscience concepts (neurons, neuroanatomy, brain lobes, synaptic transmission, pharmacology) and psychology research methods (sources of information, scientific norms, biases).

How many neurons are in the human central nervous system (CNS)?

The CNS contains approximately $86\text{ billion}$ neurons.

How many synaptic inputs can a single neuron receive?

A single neuron can receive between $7{,}000$ and $30{,}000$ synaptic inputs.

What is the function of the myelin sheath surrounding an axon?

It insulates the axon and enables neurons to communicate quickly by speeding up electrical signaling.

What are the three main types of neurons based on their function?

1. Sensory neurons (provide sensory info from periphery to CNS)
2. Interneurons (modulate interactions between neurons within CNS)
3. Motor neurons (send motor signals from CNS to periphery)

Identify the basic structural components of a standard neuron shown in the diagram.

Soma (cell body), dendrites, axon (inside myelin sheath), myelin sheath, and terminal buttons (axon terminals).

In neuroanatomy, what do the directional terms "rostral" and "caudal" mean?

Rostral (anterior) means towards the face or front; caudal (posterior) means towards the tail or back.

What is the difference between ipsilateral and contralateral?

Ipsilateral refers to structures on the same side of the body, whereas contralateral refers to structures on the opposite side of the body.

What are the three standard anatomical slicing planes used to view the human brain?

1. Coronal (frontal) section
2. Horizontal (axial) section
3. Sagittal (mid-sagittal) section

Why is personal experience considered an unreliable source of information compared to empirical research?

Personal experience lacks a comparison group and is susceptible to confounds (uncontrolled external factors).

What is the availability heuristic?

A cognitive shortcut where intuitive thinking is biased toward information that is recent, vivid, or easily memorable.

What are Merton's four scientific norms?

1. Universalism
2. Communality
3. Disinterestedness
4. Organized skepticism

According to Merton's scientific norms, what does "Disinterestedness" require of scientists?

Scientists must strive for objective truth and not let personal conviction, idealism, profit, or political interest bias their reporting or interpretation of data.

What does it mean to say that scientific research is "probabilistic"?

Research conclusions are intended to explain a high proportion of cases overall, but they are not expected to explain every single individual case at all times.

What is the difference between a gyrus and a sulcus in the cerebral cortex?

A gyrus is a ridge or fold on the outer cortex surface, whereas a sulcus is a groove or furrow going inward.

What are the four major external lobes of the cerebral cortex and the fifth "secret" lobe?

The four main lobes are the frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital lobes. The fifth hidden lobe is the insula.

Identify the subcortical structures of the forebrain labeled in this diagram.

Cerebral cortex, basal ganglia (movement, reward), thalamus (sensory gateway), hypothalamus (regulates body function), amygdala (emotion), and hippocampus (memory).

What is the key functional difference between expressive aphasia and receptive aphasia?

In expressive aphasia, speech production is impaired (non-fluent). In receptive aphasia, speech comprehension is impaired (speech is fluent but nonsensical).

What alternative terms are used for synaptic knobs and dendritic spines?

Synaptic knobs are also termed "boutons", and dendritic spines are also termed "gemmules".

What three main mechanisms remove neurotransmitters from the synaptic cleft?

1. Reuptake (via transporters)
2. Enzymatic degradation (deactivation by enzymes)
3. Diffusion (floating away)

How does Botox alter neurotransmitter release at the neuromuscular junction?

Botox prevents synaptic vesicles from fusing with the presynaptic neuronal membrane, blocking the release of acetylcholine and preventing muscle contraction.

How do ADHD medications like methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamine (Adderall) affect dopamine levels in the synapse?

They block the dopamine transporter, preventing dopamine reuptake and allowing dopamine to stay in the synaptic cleft longer.

How does caffeine reduce fatigue at the cellular receptor level?

Caffeine structurally resembles adenosine (a natural sedative) and competitively binds to adenosine receptors without activating them, blocking adenosine from causing fatigue.

How is drug tolerance reflected on a dose-response curve?

Drug tolerance shifts the dose-response curve to the right, meaning a higher dose is required to produce the same effect, or the same dose produces a diminished effect.

According to the diagram, how do chronic agonist vs. antagonist drug treatments affect receptor density on the cell membrane?

Agonist treatment leads to receptor desensitization and receptor downregulation, whereas antagonist treatment leads to receptor upregulation.