neuro 202

Molecular neuroscience

Study of the structure and function of cellular components, including genes and proteins such as ion channels.

Cellular neuroscience

Study of the function of an entire neuron, such as how an action potential works.

System-level analysis

Study of neural circuits and collections of neurons that work together for a particular function.

Behavioral neuroscience

Study of neural circuits underlying behaviors such as eating or temperature regulation.

Cognitive neuroscience

Study of neural circuits underlying mental processes such as memory and emotion.

Clinical neuroscientist

A medical professional who studies patients or diseases, including diagnosis and treatment.

Experimental neuroscientist

A neuroscientist who conducts experiments using the scientific method.

Theoretical neuroscientist

A neuroscientist who uses models to predict or explain patterns of neural activity.

Observation

Data collection; systematically observing what occurs.

Replication

Repeating an experiment or observation to determine how consistently a finding occurs.

Verification

Independent replication of a finding by another person or laboratory.

Structure-function analysis

Inferring a structure's function from its anatomy or connectivity.

Comparison approach

Comparing species or individuals to determine whether a neural feature is associated with a particular ability.

Physiological measurement

Measuring a physiological property such as ion concentration, voltage, current, muscle activity, or blood pressure.

Physiological manipulation

Altering a physiological process to determine its effects.

Loss-of-function experiment

Preventing a structure or process from functioning to test whether it is necessary for a function.

Gain-of-function experiment

Forcing a structure or process to become active to test whether it is sufficient for a function.

Necessary

Required for a particular function; removing it causes the function to be lost.

Sufficient

Able by itself to cause a particular function or effect.

Electrophysiology

Study or measurement of the electrical properties of biological tissues.

Action potential

An electrical signal produced by an entire neuron.

Resting potential

The voltage created when a neuron is not actively signaling.

Ion channel

A protein whose function can be studied at the molecular level; sodium and potassium channels are examples.

Neural circuit

A collection of interconnected neurons that work together for a function.

Electrochemical signaling

The process by which neurons create electrical signals through unequal distributions of ions.

Synaptic transmission

Communication between neurons across a synapse.

Presynaptic neuron

The neuron that releases neurotransmitter at a chemical synapse.

Postsynaptic neuron

The neuron that has receptors for neurotransmitter released by another neuron.

Structure-function example

If neurons from the eye project to a structure, that structure may be involved in vision.

Comparison example

If species with excellent hearing share a large brain structure, that structure may contribute to hearing.

Loss-of-function example

Silencing neurons and observing loss of vision shows those neurons are necessary for vision.

Gain-of-function example

Activating neurons and producing visual perception shows their activity is sufficient for perception.

Dopamine receptor antagonist

A chemical that prevents dopamine receptors from being activated, producing a loss-of-function manipulation.

Stimulation

Using an electrode to force a population of neurons to become active.

Motor cortex stimulation

Activating the motor cortex and observing muscle contractions; an example of gain-of-function experimentation.

Historical perspective in neuroscience

Studying the experiments that produced our current understanding of the brain.

Theoretical evidence

Evidence from models that can support the existence or function of something before it is directly observed.

Neuroscience vocabulary

Different disciplines may use different terms for the same concept, making flexible vocabulary important.

Exam 1 course section

Focuses on how a single neuron creates electrical signals through electrochemical signaling.

Exam 2 course section

Focuses on how pairs of neurons communicate through synaptic transmission.

Third course section

Focuses on small neural circuits involved in sensory perception and movement.

Small neural circuit

A circuit involving a few neurons, such as circuits underlying a pain withdrawal reflex.