Brain Structure and Function

What do the terms dorsal and ventral refer to in brain navigation?

Dorsal refers to the top or superior aspect of the brain, while ventral refers to the bottom or inferior aspect.

Define rostral and caudal.

Rostral refers to the front or anterior part of the brain, while caudal refers to the back or posterior part.

What is the difference between medial and lateral?

Medial refers to being toward the midline of the brain, while lateral refers to being away from the midline.

Describe the coronal plane in terms of brain anatomy.

The coronal plane, or frontal plane, divides the brain into front and back halves.

What is the function of the frontal lobe?

The frontal lobe is responsible for decision-making, planning, voluntary movement, and personality.

What does the parietal lobe do?

The parietal lobe processes sensory information, spatial awareness, and touch perception.

What is the primary function of the occipital lobe?

The occipital lobe is primarily responsible for vision processing.

Identify a key function of the cerebellum.

The cerebellum is responsible for coordination, balance, and fine motor control.

What components make up a multipolar motor neuron?

A multipolar motor neuron consists of dendrites, a cell body (soma), an axon, axon hillock, myelin sheath, nodes of Ranvier, and axon terminals.

What are EPSPs and how do they affect neurons?

EPSPs, or excitatory postsynaptic potentials, depolarize the neuron by allowing Na+ ions to enter, thereby increasing the chance of an action potential.

What are IPSPs?

IPSPs, or inhibitory postsynaptic potentials, hyperpolarize the neuron by allowing Cl- ions in or K+ ions out, thereby decreasing the chance of an action potential.

Explain the action potential process in neurons.

The action potential process includes resting potential (-70mV), depolarization (Na+ influx), repolarization (K+ efflux), hyperpolarization (overshoot of K+), and return to resting potential.

What role does Acetylcholine (ACh) play in the brain?

Acetylcholine is involved in muscle contraction and memory; deficits are linked to Alzheimer’s disease.

How does dopamine function in the brain?

Dopamine is involved in reward and movement, and it is linked to disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and schizophrenia.

What is the significance of Phineas Gage in neuroscience?

Phineas Gage's case demonstrated how damage to the prefrontal cortex can lead to changes in personality and decision-making.

Why are MRI and fMRI important neuropsychological techniques?

MRI and fMRI provide structural and functional imaging of the brain, essential for understanding brain anatomy and activities.

What does the Institutional Review Board (IRB) do?

The IRB protects human subjects in research by ensuring informed consent and minimizing harm.

List the 3 R's in animal research.

The 3 R's are Replacement (using alternatives), Reduction (using the fewest animals), and Refinement (improving procedures to minimize distress).