Introduction & Neuroanatomy Overview

These flashcards cover fundamental concepts and vocabulary related to neuroscience and neuroanatomy as presented in the lecture notes.

Neuroscience

An integrative science focusing on the development, chemistry, structure, function, physiology, and pathology of the nervous system.

CNS

Central Nervous System, comprising the brain and spinal cord.

PNS

Peripheral Nervous System, consisting of all the nerves that branch out from the brain and spinal cord.

Neuron

A distinct nerve cell that is not directly continuous with other nerve cells, as shown by Cajal.

Synapse

The gap for communication between neurons.

Reflexes

Involuntary reactions to stimuli as studied by Sherrington.

Electron Microscope

A type of microscope that uses electrons to create an image and was a major advancement in neurological studies during the 1950s.

Functional MRI (fMRI)

A technique that measures brain activity by detecting changes associated with blood flow.

BOLD

Blood Oxygen Level Dependent, a method used in fMRI to observe brain activity.

Cerebral Cortex

The outer layer of the brain involved in complex functions such as perception and decision-making.

Diencephalon

Part of the brain containing the thalamus and hypothalamus, involved in hormone secretion.

Hippocampus

A key structure in the brain for memory formation.

Amygdala

A brain structure involved in emotion and motivation.

Vascular System - Circle of Willis

A circulatory structure that supplies blood to the brain and is essential for preventing strokes.

Innervation

The supply of nerves to a specific body part, allowing control and sensation.

Afferent Neurons

Nerve cells that carry sensory signals to the central nervous system.

Efferent Neurons

Nerve cells that carry motor commands from the central nervous system to effectors.

Neurologic Disorders

Conditions that affect the nervous system, which can be categorized based on their nature and etiology.

Prevalence

The total number of cases of a disease in a population at a given time.

Incidence

The number of new cases of a disease that occur in a specific population during a defined time period.

Acute Onset

Rapid development of signs and symptoms of a neurological condition.

Chronic Condition

A long-lasting condition that can progressively worsen over time.