A brief history of cognitive neuroscience Flashcards
What is cognitive neuroscience?
A study of how the brain structure and function affect human behavior and how the brain enables the mind
What is the 4-part definition of a neurotransmitter?
- It is produced and stored by the presynaptic neuron. 2. It is released by the presynaptic neuron due to an action potential. 3. The postsynaptic neurons contains receptors for it. 4. When artificially applied to the postsynaptic cell, the neurotransmitter elicits the same response that stimulating the presynaptic neuron would.
Name some amino acid neurotransmitters
GABA, glutamate and glycine
GABA is an ________ class of neurotransmitter
amino acid
glutamate and glycine are in the __________class of receptors
amino acid
What neurotransmitters are in the biogenic amines class of neurotransmitters
(the catecholemines dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine) seroonin and histamine.
What class of neurotransmitters is serotonin in?
biogenic amines
What three neurotransmitters are in the catecholamine category?
dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine.
what essential functions are located in the medulla that would make it difficult to live if they disappeared or malfunctioned?
The medulla contains the motor neurons for the heart (who knew?) the nuclei for many of the cranial nerves, providing sensory and motor innervations to the face, neck, abdomen, and throat. The medulla controls respiration, heart rate and arousal and digestive functions. . All ascending somatosensory info passes through the medulla
What is pons latin for?
The pons is Latin for “bridge” because it is the main connection between the brain and the cerebellum.
What stuff is in the pons?
many cranial nerves synapse in the pons. These include sensory/motor nuclei for face and mouth and the visuomotor nuclei controlling some extraocular muscles. The pons is important for some eye movements as well as some auditory (superior olive?). The pons also is important for REM sleep
What structure, nicknamed the little brain, is home to most of the brain’s neurons?
cerebellum
where is the red nucleus located and what is it’s supposed function (especially in non-human vertebrates)
The red nucleus is located in the midbrain. The red nucleus is involved in certain aspects of motor coordination. It helps a baby crawl or coordinates the swing of your arms as you walk. It may also take over as the primary form of motor cortex communication in the event of damage to the corticospinal tract (I think)
What two structures make up the diencephalon?
The thalamus and hypothalamus
