2 - Functional Neuroanatomy: The Nervous System And Behavior Flashcards Preview

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0
Q

Neuron doctrine

A

The hypothesis that the brain is composed of separate cells that are distinct structurally, metabolically, and functionally

1
Q

Neuron or nerve cell

A

The basic unit of the nervous system, each composed of a cell body, receptive extension(s) (dendrites), and a transmitting extension (axon)

2
Q

Synapse

A

The tiny gap between neurons where information is passed from one to the other

3
Q

Glial cells

A

Also called glia or neuroglia. Nonneuronal brain cells that provide structural, nutritional, and other types of support to the brain

4
Q

Mitochondrion

A

A cellular organelle that provides metabolic energy for the cell’s processes

5
Q

Cell nucleus

A

The spherical central structure of a cell that contains the chromosomes

6
Q

Ribosomes

A

Structures in the cell body where genetic information is translated to produce proteins

7
Q

Dendrite

A

One of the extensions of the cell body that are the receptive surfaces of the neuron

8
Q

Input zone

A

The part of the neuron that receives information, from other neurons or from specialized sensory structures. Usually corresponds to the cell’s dendrites

9
Q

Cell body or soma

A

The region of a neuron that is defined by the presence of the cell nucleus

10
Q

Integration zone

A

The part of the neuron that initiates nerve electrical activity. Usually corresponds to the neuron’s axon hillock.

11
Q

Axon

A

A single extension from the nerve cell that carries nerve impulses from the cell body to other neurons

12
Q

Conduction zone

A

The part of the neuron over which the nerve’s electrical signal may be actively propagated. Usually corresponds to the cell’s axon

13
Q

Axon terminal

A

Also called synaptic bouton. The end of an axon or axon collateral, which forms a synapse on a neuron or other target cell

14
Q

Output zone

A

The part of a neuron, usually corresponding to the axon terminals, at which the cell sends information to another cell

15
Q

Golgi stain

A

A histological stain that fills a small proportion of neurons with a dark, silver-based precipitate

16
Q

Nissl stain

A

A histological stain that outlines all cell bodies because the dyes are attracted to RNA, which encircles the nucleus

17
Q

Autoradiography

A

A histological technique that shows the distribution of radioactive chemicals in tissues

18
Q

Immunocytochemistry (ICC)

A

A method for detecting a particular protein in tissues in which an antibody recognizes and binds to the protein and then chemical methods are used to leave a visible reaction product around each antibody

19
Q

In situ hybridization

A

A method for detecting particular RNA transcripts in tissue sections by providing a nucleotide probe that is complementary to, and will therefore hybridize with, the transcript of interest

20
Q

Immediate early genes (IEGs)

A

A class of genes that show rapid but transient increases in expression in cells that have become activated

21
Q

c-fos

A

An immediate early gene commonly used to identify activated neurons

22
Q

Horseradish peroxidase (HRP)

A

An enzyme found in horseradish and other plants that is used to determine the cells of origin of a particular set of axons

23
Q

Multipolar neuron

A

A nerve cell that has many dendrites and a single axon

24
Q

Bipolar neuron

A

A nerve cell that has a single dendrite at one end and a single axon at the other end

25
Q

Unipolar neuron

A

Also called monopolar neuron. A nerve cell with a single branch that leaves the cell body and then extends in two directions; one end is the receptive pole, the other end the output zone

26
Q

Motoneuron

A

Also called motor neuron. A nerve cell that transmits motor messages, stimulating a muscle or gland

27
Q

Sensory neuron

A

A neuron that is directly affected by changes in the environment, such as light, odor, or touch

28
Q

Interneuron

A

A neuron that is neither a sensory neuron nor a motoneuron; it receives input from and sends output to other neurons

29
Q

Astrocyte

A

A star-shaped glial cell with numerous processes (extensions) that run in all directions

30
Q

Microglial cells

A

Also called microglia. Extremely small glial cells that remove cellular debris from injured or dead cells

31
Q

Myelin

A

The fatty insulation around an axon, formed by glial cells, that improves the speed of conduction of nerve impulses

32
Q

Myelination

A

The process of myelin formation

33
Q

Node of Ranvier

A

A gap between successive segments of the myelin sheath where the axon membrane is exposed

34
Q

Multiple sclerosis

A

Literally “many scars”; a disorder characterized by widespread degeneration of myelin

35
Q

Oligodendrocyte

A

A type of glial cell that forms myelin in the central nervous system

36
Q

Schwann cell

A

The glial cell that forms myelin in the peripheral nervous system

37
Q

Edema

A

The swelling of tissue, especially in the brain, in response to injury

38
Q

Arborization

A

The elaborate branching of the dendrites of some neurons

39
Q

Presynaptic

A

Referring to the region of the synapse that releases neurotransmitter

40
Q

Postsynaptic

A

Referring to the region of a synapse that receives and responds to neurotransmitter

41
Q

Presynaptic membrane

A

The specialized membrane of the axon terminal of the neuron that transmits information by releasing neurotransmitter

42
Q

Postsynaptic membrane

A

The specialized membrane on the surface of the cell that receives information by responding to the neurotransmitter from a presynaptic neuron

43
Q

Synaptic cleft

A

The space between the presynaptic and postsynaptic elements

44
Q

Synaptic vesicle

A

A small, spherical structure that contains molecules of neurotransmitter

45
Q

Neurotransmitter

A

Also called synaptic transmitter, chemical transmitter, or simply transmitter. The chemical released from the presynaptic axon terminal that serves as the basis of communication between neurons

46
Q

Receptor

A

Also called receptor molecule. A protein that captures and reacts to molecules of a neurotransmitter or hormone

47
Q

Neural plasticity

A

Also called neuroplasticity. The ability of the nervous system to change in response to experience or the environment

48
Q

Axon hillock

A

A cone-shaped area from which the axon originates out of the cell body. Functionally, the integration zone of the neuron

49
Q

Axon collateral

A

A branch of an axon from a single neuron

50
Q

Innervate

A

To provide neural input

51
Q

Axonal transport

A

The transportation of materials from the neuronal cell body to distant regions in the dendrites and axons, and from the axon terminals back to the cell body

52
Q

Gross neuroanatomy

A

Anatomical features of the nervous system that are apparent to the naked eye

53
Q

Cauda equina

A

The caudal-most spinal nerves, which extend beyond the spinal cord proper to exit the spinal column

54
Q

Peripheral nervous system

A

The portion of the nervous system that includes all the nerves and neurons outside the brain and spinal cord

55
Q

Central nervous system

A

The portion of the nervous system that includes the brain and the spinal cord

56
Q

Nerve

A

A collection of axons bundled together outside the central nervous system

57
Q

Cranial nerve

A

A nerve that is connected directly to the brain

58
Q

Spinal nerve

A

Also called somatic nerve. A nerve that emerges from the spinal cord

59
Q

Autonomic nervous system

A

The part of the peripheral nervous system that supplies neural connections to glands and to smooth muscles of internal organs

60
Q

Dorsal root

A

The branch of a spinal nerve, entering the dorsal horn of the spinal cord, that carries sensory information from the peripheral nervous system to the spinal cord

61
Q

Ventral root

A

The branch of a spinal nerve, arising from the ventral horn of the spinal cord, that carries motor messages from the spinal cord to the peripheral nervous system

62
Q

Cervical

A

Referring to the topmost 8 segments of the spinal cord, in the neck region

63
Q

Thoracic

A

Referring to the 12 spinal segments below the cervical (neck) portion of the spinal cord, corresponding to the chest

64
Q

Lumbar

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Referring to the 5 spinal segments that make up the upper part of the lower back

65
Q

Sacral

A

Referring to the 5 spinal segments that make up the lower part of the lower back

66
Q

Coccygeal

A

Referring to the lowest spinal vertebra (aka the tailbone)

67
Q

Autonomic ganglia

A

Collections of nerve cell bodies, belonging to the autonomic division of the peripheral nervous system, that are found in various locations and innervate the major organs

68
Q

Preganglionic

A

Literally, “before the ganglion.” Referring to neurons in the autonomic nervous system that run from the central nervous system to the autonomic ganglia

69
Q

Postganglionic

A

Literally, “after the ganglion.” Referring to neurons in the autonomic nervous system that run from the autonomic ganglia to various targets in the body

70
Q

Sympathetic nervous system

A

A component of the autonomic nervous system that arises from the thoracic and lumbar spinal cord

71
Q

Sympathetic chain

A

A chain of ganglia that runs along each side of the spinal column; part of the sympathetic nervous system

72
Q

Parasympathetic nervous system

A

A component of the autonomic nervous system that arises from both the cranial nerves and the sacral spinal cord

73
Q

Norepinephrine

A

Also called noradrenaline. A neurotransmitter produced and released by sympathetic postganglionic neurons to accelerate organ activity. Also produced in the brainstem and found in projections throughout the brain

74
Q

Acetylcholine

A

A neurotransmitter produced and released by parasympathetic postganglionic neurons, by motoneurons, and by neurons throughout and brain

75
Q

Enteric nervous system

A

An extensive meshlike system of neurons that governs the functioning of the gut

76
Q

Cerebral hemispheres

A

The right and left halves of the forebrain

77
Q

Gyrus

A

A ridged or raised portion of a convoluted brain surface

78
Q

Sulcus

A

A furrow of a convoluted brain surface

79
Q

Frontal lobe

A

The most anterior portion of the cerebral cortex

80
Q

Parietal lobes

A

Large regions of cortex lying between the frontal and occipital lobes of each cerebral hemisphere

81
Q

Temporal lobes

A

Large lateral cortical regions of each cerebral hemisphere, continuous with the parietal lobes posteriorly, and separated from the frontal lobe by the Sylvian fissure

82
Q

Occipital lobes

A

Large regions of cortex covering much of the posterior part of each cerebral hemisphere

83
Q

Sylvian fissure

A

Also called lateral sulcus. A deep fissure that demarcates the temporal lobe

84
Q

Central sulcus

A

A fissure that divides the frontal lobe from the parietal lobe

85
Q

Cerebral cortex

A

Sometimes called ‘cortex’. The outer covering of the cerebral hemispheres, which consists largely of nerve cell bodies and their branches

86
Q

Postcentral gyrus

A

The strip of parietal cortex, just behind the central sulcus, that receives somatosensory information from the entire body

87
Q

Precentral gyrus

A

The strip of frontal cortex, just in front of the central sulcus, that is crucial for motor control

88
Q

Corpus callosum

A

The main band of axons that connects the two cerebral hemispheres

89
Q

White matter

A

A shiny layer underneath the cortex that consists largely of axons with white myelin sheaths

90
Q

Gray matter

A

Areas of the brain that are dominated by cell bodies and are devoid of myelin

91
Q

Sagittal plane

A

Latin sagitta = arrow; the plane that bisects the body into right and left halves

92
Q

Coronal plane

A

From Latin corona = crown; aka frontal plane or transverse plane; the plane that divides the body into a front (anterior) and a back (posterior).

93
Q

Horizontal plane

A

Divides the brain into upper and lower parts

94
Q

Medial

A

“Toward the middle”

95
Q

Lateral

A

“Toward the side”

96
Q

Anterior

A

Aka rostral, from Latin ‘rostrum’, ‘prow of a ship’; the head end

97
Q

Posterior

A

Aka caudal; from Latin ‘cauda’, ‘tail’; the tail end

98
Q

Proximal

A

From Latin proximus = nearest; means near the trunk or center

99
Q

Distal

A

Means “toward the periphery” or “toward the end of a limb” … Distant from the original or point of attachment

100
Q

Dorsal

A

Toward or at the back

101
Q

Ventral

A

Toward or at the belly or front

102
Q

Afferent

A

An axon, tract, or nerve is called this if it carries information into a region that we are interested in

103
Q

Efferent

A

An axon, tract, or nerve is called this if it carries information away from the region of interest

104
Q

Neural tube

A

An embryonic structure with subdivisions that correspond to the future forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain

105
Q

Forebrain

A

Also called prosencephalon. The frontal division of the neural tube, containing the cerebral hemispheres, the thalamus, and the hypothalamus

106
Q

Midbrain

A

Also called mesencephalon. The middle division of the brain

107
Q

Hindbrain

A

Also called rhombencephalon. The rear division of the brain, which, in the mature vertebrate, contains the cerebellum, pons, and medulla

108
Q

Telencephalon

A

The frontal subdivision of the forebrain that includes the cerebral hemispheres when fully developed

109
Q

Diencephalon

A

The posterior part of the forebrain, including the thalamus and hypothalamus

110
Q

Metencephalon

A

A subdivision of the hindbrain that includes the cerebellum and the pons

111
Q

Cerebellum

A

A structure located at the back of the brain, dorsal to the pons, that is involved in the central regulation of movement

112
Q

Pons

A

A portion of the metencephalon; part of the brainstem connecting midbrain to medulla

113
Q

Myelencephalon or medulla

A

The posterior part of the hindbrain, continuous with the spinal cord

114
Q

Brainstem

A

The region of the brain that consists of the midbrain, the pons, and the medulla

115
Q

Nucleus

A

(In this context) a collection of neuronal cell bodies within the central nervous system (e.g. the caudate nucleus)

116
Q

Tract

A

A bundle of axons found within the central nervous system

117
Q

Basal ganglia

A

A group of forebrain nuclei, including caudate nucleus, globus pallidus, and putamen, found deep within the cerebral hemispheres

118
Q

Caudate nucleus

A

One of the basal ganglia; it has a long extension or tail

119
Q

Putamen

A

One of the basal ganglia

120
Q

Globus pallidus

A

One of the basal ganglia

121
Q

Substantia nigra

A

A brainstem structure in humans that is related to the basal ganglia and is named for its dark pigmentation

122
Q

Limbic system

A

A loosely defined, widespread group of brain nuclei that innervate each other to form a network

123
Q

Amygdala

A

A group of nuclei in the medial anterior part of the temporal lobe

124
Q

Hippocampus

A

A medial temporal lobe structure that is important for learning and memory

125
Q

Fornix

A

A fiber tract that extends from the hippocampus to the mammillary body

126
Q

Cingulate gyrus

A

A cortical portion of the limbic system, found in the frontal and parietal midline

127
Q

Olfactory bulb

A

An anterior projection of the brain that terminates in the upper nasal passages and, through small openings in the skull, provides receptors for smell

128
Q

Mammillary body

A

One of a pair of nuclei at the base of the brain

129
Q

Thalamus

A

The brain regions that surround the third ventricle

130
Q

Hypothalamus

A

Part of the diencephalon, lying ventral to the thalamus

131
Q

Superior colliculi

A

Paired gray matter structures of the dorsal midbrain that receive visual information and are involved in direction of visual gaze and visual attention of intended stimuli

132
Q

Inferior colliculi

A

Paired gray matter structures of the dorsal midbrain that receive auditory information

133
Q

Tectum

A

The dorsal portion of the midbrain, including the inferior and superior colliculi

134
Q

Red nucleus

A

A brainstem structure related to motor control

135
Q

Reticular formation

A

An extensive region of the brainstem (extending from the medulla through the thalamus) that is involved in arousal (waking)

136
Q

Purkinje cell

A

A type of large nerve cell in the cerebellar cortex

137
Q

Granule cell

A

A type of small nerve cell

138
Q

Parallel fiber

A

One of the axons of the granule cells that form the outermost layer of the cerebellar cortex

139
Q

Neocortex (isocortex) or cortex

A

Cerebral cortex that is made up of six distinct layers

140
Q

Allocortex

A

Brain tissue with three layers or unlayered organization

141
Q

Pyramidal cell

A

A type of large nerve cell that has a roughly pyramid-shaped cell body; found in the cerebral cortex

142
Q

Apical dendrite

A

The dendrite that extends from a pyramidal cell to the outermost surface of the cortex

143
Q

Basal dendrite

A

One of several dendrites on the pyramidal cell that extend horizontally from the cell body

144
Q

Cortical column

A

One of the vertical columns that constitute the basic organization of the neocortex

145
Q

Meninges

A

The three protective sheets of tissue-dura mater, pia mater, and arachnoid-that surround the brain and spinal cord

146
Q

Dura mater

A

The outermost of the three meninges that surround the brain and spinal cord

147
Q

Pia mater

A

The innermost of the three meninges that surround the brain and spinal cord

148
Q

Arachnoid

A

The thin covering (one of the three meninges) of the brain that lies between the dura mater and pia mater

149
Q

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

A

The fluid that fills the cerebral ventricles

150
Q

Meningitis

A

An acute inflammation of the meninges, usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection

151
Q

Ventricular system

A

A system of fluid-filled cavities inside the brain

152
Q

Lateral ventricle

A

A complexly shaped lateral portion of the ventricular system within each hemisphere of the brain

153
Q

Choroid plexus

A

A highly vascular portion of the lining of the ventricles that secretes cerebrospinal fluid

154
Q

Third ventricle

A

The midline ventricle that conducts cerebrospinal fluid from the lateral ventricles to the fourth ventricle

155
Q

Fourth ventricle

A

The passageway within the pons that receives cerebrospinal fluid from the third ventricle and releases it to surround the brain and spinal cord

156
Q

Carotid arteries

A

The major arteries that ascend the left and right sides of the neck to the brain, supplying blood to the anterior and middle cerebral arteries

157
Q

Anterior cerebral arteries

A

Two large arteries, arising from the carotids, that provide blood to the anterior poles and medial surfaces of the cerebral hemispheres

158
Q

Middle cerebral arteries

A

Two large arteries, arising from the carotids, that provide blood to most of the lateral surfaces of the cerebral hemispheres

159
Q

Posterior cerebral arteries

A

Two large arteries, arising from the basilar artery, that provide blood to posterior aspects of the cerebral hemispheres, cerebellum, and brainstem

160
Q

Vertebral arteries

A

Arteries that ascend the vertebrae, enter the base of the skull, and join together to form the basilar artery

161
Q

Basilar artery

A

An artery, formed by the fusion of the vertebral arteries, that supplies blood to the brainstem and to the posterior cerebral arteries

162
Q

Circle of Willis

A

A structure at the base of the brain that is formed by the joining of the carotid and basilar arteries

163
Q

Stroke

A

Damage to a region of brain tissue that results from blockage or rupture of vessels that supply blood to that region

164
Q

Blood-brain barrier

A

The mechanisms that make the movement of substances from blood vessels into brain cells more difficult than exchanges in other body organs, thus affording the brain greater protection from exposure to some substances found in the blood

165
Q

Angiography

A

A brain-imaging technique in which a specialized X-ray image of the head is taken shortly after the cerebral blood vessels have been filled with a radiopaque dye by means of a catheter

166
Q

Computerized axial tomography (CAT or CT)

A

A noninvasive technique for examining brain structure in humans through computer analysis of X-ray absorption at several positions around the head

167
Q

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

A

A noninvasive technique that uses magnetic energy to generate images that reveal some structural details in the living brain

168
Q

Position emission tomography (PET)

A

A technique for examining brain function by combining tomography with injections of radioactive substances used by the brain

169
Q

Functional MRI (fMRI)

A

Magnetic resonance imaging that detects changes in blood flow and therefore identifies regions of the brain that are particularly active during a given task

170
Q

Optical imaging

A

A method for visualizing brain activity in which near-infrared light is passed through the scalp and skull

171
Q

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)

A

Localized, noninvasive stimulation of cortical neurons through the application of strong magnetic fields

172
Q

Magnetoencephalography (MEG)

A

A passive and noninvasive functional brain-imaging technique that measures the tiny magnetic fields produced by active neurons, in order to identify regions of the brain that are particularly active during a given task