Neuroanatomy

General Introduction to Neuroanatomy

  • Discussion will cover both lobes of the brain and specific regions within those lobes.
  • Content will extend beyond introductory psychology, delving into functionally specific regions referenced in Nancy Kanwisher's TED Talk.

Schedule Update

  • Revised schedule posted to Canvas on Friday:
    • Neuropharmacology took longer than anticipated, concluding on Friday.
    • This week’s focus is solely neuroanatomy, condensed into three classes.
    • Topics will include:
      • Hypothalamus and hormone secretion.
      • Neuroanatomy terminology.
      • Central versus peripheral nervous system.
      • MRI and fMRI in studying brain regions.
      • Sensory and motor cortices (discussion on phantom limb syndrome).
  • Assignments:
    • Quiz 3 initially scheduled for Wednesday is now pushed back.
    • Homework Question 11 due Wednesday; Question 12 and Quiz 3 due Friday.
    • Resource list project to be worked on independently, potential time for delegation.

Content Overview for the Week

  • Terminology in Neuroanatomy: Introduction to anatomical terms to understand brain region naming conventions.
  • Divisions of the Nervous System:
    • Central Nervous System (CNS): Comprised of brain and spinal cord, encased by bone.
    • Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): Nerves extending from spinal cord to the body. These nerves can regenerate to a degree.
    • Somatic vs. Autonomic Systems:
      • Somatic: Controls voluntary movements (e.g., skeletal muscles).
      • Autonomic: Manages involuntary functions (e.g., heart rate, digestion).
        • Subdivided into:
          • Sympathetic: Activates fight or flight response.
          • Parasympathetic: Calms the body, utilizes GABA as an inhibitory neurotransmitter.

Neuroanatomical Directions

  • Anatomical Terms:
    • Rostral (Anterior): Front.
    • Caudal (Posterior): Tail, back.
    • Dorsal (Superior): Top (e.g., dorsal fin on a dolphin).
    • Ventral (Inferior): Bottom.
    • Medial: Closer to the center.
    • Lateral: Towards the outside.
  • Importance of understanding these terms in relation to brain structures, e.g., dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dorsal-lateral area of the prefrontal cortex).

Sensory and Motor Functions

  • Sensory and Motor Cortices: Responsible for sending and receiving messages from the body.
  • Phantom Limb Syndrome: Pain sensation in amputated limbs; underscores brain's adaptability.

EEG Lab Participation Opportunity

  • Current study focuses on adults' number cognition using EEG.
  • Participants must be able to remain still for approximately 30 minutes without a history of seizures.
  • EEG cap worn during tasks captures brain's electrical activity without interpreting thought content.
  • Compensation offered for participation: $10 Amazon gift card. Sign-up available via QR code link to Calendly.

Nervous System Breakdown

  • Description of the nervous system and its structure.
  • The CNS (Brain and Spinal Cord) protected by bone vs. PNS comprising nerves throughout the body.
  • Regenerative Properties: Limited ability for peripheral nerves to heal.

Divisions of the Autonomic Nervous System

  • Further elaboration on the autonomic division:
    • Sympathetic System: Activates arousal and response to stress.
    • Parasympathetic System: Supports relaxation and restoration, primarily through GABA signaling.

Neurological Reflexes and Processing

  • Reflex Actions: Automatically respond to stimuli. Example: knee-jerk reflex, which can occasionally be controlled by voluntary muscle tension.
  • Damage to sensory perceiving systems can result in abnormal perceptual experiences (e.g., sensing a series of separate images instead of fluid motion).
  • Important interactions between different layers of the neurological system (CNS and the PNS).

Brain Structure and Function

  • Components of the human brain include the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem. Each plays significant roles in high-level cognitive functions, motor control, and autonomic life functions respectively.
  • Cerebral Cortex: Outer layer, densely packed with neuronal cell bodies (gray matter).
  • White Matter: Inner layer, consisting of myelinated axons providing communication between brain regions.
  • Ventricles: Fluid-filled structures producing cerebrospinal fluid essential for nutrient delivery.

Brain Areas and Their Functions

  • Broca's Area and Wernicke's Area: Key regions for language processing.
  • Functional Specificity: Different brain parts have distinct roles, evidenced by studies of individuals with brain injuries (e.g., split-brain patients).
  • Facial Recognition: Specific neural areas, such as the fusiform face area highlighted in Kanwisher's talk.

Conclusion and Further Study

  • The presentation will continue to cover more specific aspects of the lobes of the brain in relation to perception and cognitive functioning.
  • Importance of studying the intricate connections and functionalities of various brain regions leading to a deeper understanding of behavior, cognition, and sensory experiences.