Lecture 1 Flashcard question and answer

These flashcards cover the key concepts discussed in the NROB60 course, including neuroanatomy, the structure and function of the brain, course logistics, and significant historical developments in the field.

Who is the course instructor for NROB60?

Dr. Marie Gadziola

What is the estimated number of neurons in the human brain?

Approximately 86 billion neurons.

What is neuroanatomy?

The study of the structure and organization of the nervous system.

What are the two primary types of anatomy?

Gross (macroscopic) anatomy and microscopic anatomy.

What is the function of the corpus callosum?

To connect the left and right cerebral hemispheres.

What does the term 'contralateral' mean in neuroscience?

Referring to the opposite side of the body.

What is the primary focus of functional anatomy?

Anatomical entities grouped together to perform a physiological function.

What method did Camillo Golgi develop?

The Golgi method, which uses silver nitrate to visualize neurons.

Which scientist is known as the 'father of modern neuroscience'?

Santiago Ramón y Cajal.

What significant theory did Cajal's work support?

The neuron doctrine.

What are gyri and sulci?

Gyri are the crests of folded cortical tissue, while sulci are the grooves between them.

What does the term 'ipsilateral' refer to?

Referring to the same side of the body.

What are the major lobes of the brain identified in the course?

Frontal, parietal, occipital, temporal.

What are the two general approaches anatomists take in studying the body?

Regional and systemic anatomy.

What is the primary structure of the nervous system?

Neurons.

What role does white matter play in the brain?

Transmits information between different areas of the central nervous system.

What is the function of the Basal Ganglia?

Important in movement control.

How is functional neuroanatomy different from traditional neuroanatomy?

Functional neuroanatomy focuses on behavioral correlates of specific neuronal structures.

What is the significance of the Human Genome Project in neuroscience?

It set the stage for collaborations in mapping brain architecture.

What is a major ethical consideration in neuroscience research involving animals?

Ensuring that experiments minimize pain and distress to the animals.

Which part of the nervous system is responsible for voluntary actions?

Somatic nervous system.

What are the two divisions of the Peripheral Nervous System?

Somatic and autonomic nervous systems.

What is neuroanatomy primarily concerned with?

The structure and organization of the nervous system.

What are the primary functions of the cerebral cortex?

Responsible for higher-order functions like vision, language, and memory.

What is the purpose of using sheep brains in NROB60 labs?

They are comparable in size and structure to the human brain.

What do we mean by 'functional specialization' of the cortex?

Different regions of the cortex are specialized for specific functions.

What is the role of the limbic system?

Involved in emotional processing, learning, and memory.

What are the three standard orthogonal planes used in neuroanatomy?

Horizontal, sagittal, and coronal.

How does the arrangement of neurons differ in gray and white matter?

Gray matter contains neuron cell bodies, while white matter contains axonal tracts.

What is a neuron?

The structural and functional unit of the nervous system.

What does the term 'cerebral localization' refer to?

The concept that specific functions are localized in certain areas of the brain.

What anatomical feature separates the right and left cerebral hemispheres?

The longitudinal fissure.

What's the function of the thalamus in the brain?

It acts as a relay station for sensory and motor signals.

What process does the Golgi method facilitate?

The visualization of entire neurons for studying their structure.

What considers 'functional speciation' within the brain?

Dedicated brain regions responsible for specific tasks.

How are neurotransmitters important in brain function?

They facilitate communication between neurons at synapses.

What is the basic functional relationship between gray and white matter in the brain?

Gray matter processes information, while white matter transmits it.

What is a common misconception about the number of neurons in the brain?

That it is fixed; in fact, neurogenesis occurs throughout life.

Who first proposed the reticular theory of brain structure?

Joseph von Gerlach.

What is the main focus of neurophysiology?

The study of the electrical activity of neurons.

What do we call the layer of connective tissue surrounding the brain?

Meninges.

What role does the amygdala play in the brain?

It is involved in emotion regulation and processing.

How can different levels of analysis be applied in neuroscience?

By focusing on different aspects such as cellular, circuit, or systems level of analysis.

What distinguishes systemic anatomy from regional anatomy?

Systemic anatomy focuses on groups of structures that perform a specific function.

What is one benefit of using digital brain atlases in learning neuroanatomy?

They facilitate exploration of brain anatomy and connections.

What anatomical term describes a structure's location towards the midline of the body?

Medial.

What is the primary structure responsible for sensory perception?

The sensory cortex.

How does the structure of the brain influence its function?

Structure (shape) determines specific functions performed by brain regions.

What does the cerebellum primarily contribute to?

Coordination and balance.

What ethical considerations must neuroscientists adhere to in their research?

Minimizing pain and ensuring welfare of animal subjects.

What anatomical structure is often referred to as the brain's 'master gland'?

The pituitary gland.

What findings were observed by Paul Broca in his studies?

Localization of speech functions to the left frontal lobe.

How does the central nervous system differ from the peripheral nervous system?

The CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord, while the PNS includes all other neural elements.

Why is a digital atlas used in neuroanatomy studies?

To enhance understanding of brain structures and their relationships.

What major brain structure is responsible for regulating sleep and wakefulness?

The hypothalamus.

Which brain lobe is primarily associated with auditory processing?

Temporal lobe.

What significant contributions did Cajal make to neuroscience?

Demonstrated that neurons are individual units and proposed the neuron doctrine.

What anatomical concept explains the increased efficiency of brain function?

Functional specialization.

Which anatomy approach focuses on how structures work together in a specific region?

Regional anatomy.

What does NMDA receptor insertion into synapses indicate?

It is related to synaptic plasticity during memory formation.

What anatomical term describes a section that divides the brain into front and back?

Coronal section.

Which structure plays a crucial role in the formation of long-term memories?

Hippocampus.

What distinguishes gray matter from white matter visually?

Gray matter appears darker due to neuron cell bodies, while white matter appears lighter due to myelinated axons.

What is the primary purpose of using mouse models in neuroscience research?

To study genetic, neurological, and behavioral aspects relevant to human conditions.

What is the focus of the Allen Institute for Brain Science?

Mapping brain architecture and gene expression.

What is synaptic plasticity?

The ability of synapses to strengthen or weaken over time, in response to increases or decreases in activity.

What aspect of animal research in neuroscience is closely monitored?

Animal welfare and adherence to ethical research protocols.

What anatomical structure is critical for communication between the left and right hemispheres?

Corpus callosum.

What is the primary role of the spinal cord within the nervous system?

To transmit signals between the brain and the rest of the body.

What region of the brain is primarily involved in processing visual information?

Occipital lobe.

Which scientist's lesion studies provided evidence for localization of function in the brain?

Paul Broca.

What was one of the main goals of the Brain Architecture Project?

To create a comprehensive resource for mapping mammalian brain architecture.

What does a corpus callosum lesion typically affect?

Communication between the two cerebral hemispheres.

What does 'level of analysis' refer to in neuroscience research?

The perspective or scale used to study brain processes.

What does the term 'axon' refer to?

The long projection of a neuron that transmits signals away from the cell body.

What are the two forms of tissue found in the brain?

White matter and gray matter.

What is a primary feature of the golgi-stained neurons?

They are visualized as a dark silhouette against a lighter background.

What terminology is used to refer to the back surface of the brain?

Dorsal.

What is the benefit of identifying anatomical landmarks in the brain?

They aid in determining the location and function of different brain areas.

How does the arrangement of the human brain differ from that of other mammals?

Variations in cortical folding and size may affect function.

What does anatomical terminology allow scientists to do?

Provide a universal language to describe locations and structures in the body.

What brain region is responsible for regulating autonomic functions?

Hypothalamus.

What is the main impact of learning neuroanatomy for a psychology student?

It enables better understanding of the brain's role in behavior and mental functions.