Introduction to Neuroscience Flashcards
Neuroscience: definition; how is it different from other basic sciences?
The scientific study of the nervous system
It is less concrete and more abstract than the other basic sciences
Task of neuro is to explain behavior in terms of brain activity (this assumes that behaviors are the result of brain activities)
Approaches to studying Neuroscience: Regional Neurobiology
The study of structure and function of the anatomic parts of the nervous system
Approaches to studying Neuroscience: Systems Neurobiology
The study of functional systems within the nervous system
Why do we use different methods of study?
To allow for multiple levels of analysis, including molecular, cellular, systems, behavioral, and cognitive
Methods of Study - Structural Analysis: Lesion
Method: Damaging a distinct nervous system region in an experimental animal and documenting the subsequent loss of function
Purpose: Correlate structure with function
Methods of Study - Structural Analysis: Tracing
Method: Injection of visible molecules into the periphery to be taken up by local axons and transported back to the cell body or vice versa
Purpose: asses connections between nervous system regions
Methods of Study - Structural Analysis: Cytochemistry/Histochemistry
Method: General cell staining
Purpose: Demonstrate size and distribution of neurons
Methods of Study - Structural Analysis: Immunocytochemistry
Method: Specific cell staining that utilizes antibodies to identify proteins
Purpose: Demonstrate molecular distinctions of neurons
Methods of Study - Structural Analysis: Genetic Engineering
Method: Insertion of a gene that codes for some visualizable substance into a neuron’s genome
Purpose: Trace connections between molecularly defined populations of neurons and their targets
Methods of Study - Structural Analysis: Brain Imaging Techniques
Method: Computerized Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Purpose: View brain structure
Methods of Study - Functional Analysis: Single-Cell or Single-Unit Electrophysiological Recording
Method: Placement of a mircoelectrode into a neuron or region of neurons to record action potential activity
Purpose: Provide information about the type of stimulus that activates a neuron; define a neuron’s receptive field
Methods of Study - Functional Analysis: Functional Brain Imaging
Method: Positron Emission Tomography (PET scan); Single photon emission computerized tomography; Functional MRI
Purpose: View brain function based on local metabolism; correlate structure with function
Methods of Study - Analysis of Complex Behaviors
Method: Use of functional brain imaging during well designed behavioral tasks
Purpose: Facilitate identification of brain networks devoted to specific complex functions
