anatomy intro ARTICLE (mini-quiz 1) Flashcards
Chapter 4. An Introduction to Human Brain Anatomy (42 cards)
What is the study of brain anatomy called, and why is it important?
Brain anatomy is the study of the structure of the brain, crucial for understanding cognitive processes, health, and disease. It is foundational to neurocomputational models and essential for psychological theories.
Define “neuroanatomical nomenclature.”
Neuroanatomical nomenclature is a standardized system of terms used to describe brain structures, established by classification principles, enabling precise communication in anatomy.
What is descriptive neuroanatomy?
Descriptive neuroanatomy is the identification and labeling of different parts of the brain and spinal cord, including views from different perspectives such as the axial, coronal, and sagittal planes.
What do the terms “axial,” “coronal,” and “sagittal” refer to in brain imaging?
“Axial” (horizontal) divides the brain into superior and inferior parts
“coronal” divides it into anterior and posterior parts
“sagittal” divides it into left and right sections.
Describe the term “bilateral” in neuroanatomy.
“Bilateral” refers to brain areas represented in both hemispheres, indicating that a structure or function appears symmetrically on both sides.
What is the significance of Broca’s area and its typical location?
Broca’s area is a region important for language production, typically located in the left hemisphere, which is an example of a unilateral representation.
Define “connectional neuroanatomy” and its significance.
Connectional neuroanatomy describes pathways connecting different brain regions, including commissural, projection, and association pathways. It is vital for understanding how different areas communicate within the brain.
What is diffusion MRI tractography?
Diffusion MRI tractography is a neuroimaging technique used to map white matter pathways, helping visualize the course and connections between different brain regions.
What are commissural tracts, and give an example.
Commissural tracts connect the left and right hemispheres of the brain. An example is the corpus callosum.
What are the key differences between grey and white matter?
Grey matter contains cell bodies and synapses, and is densely packed with neurons, while white matter primarily consists of myelinated axons connecting grey matter regions.
Explain the function and structure of the cerebral cortex.
The cerebral cortex is the outer layer of the brain, involved in higher cognitive functions. It has a six-layered structure with distinct areas for specialized tasks, such as sensory and motor functions.
What are the Brodmann areas, and why are they significant?
Brodmann areas are regions of the cerebral cortex identified by differences in cellular structure. They help localize specific brain functions, such as motor (Area 4) and sensory processing.
Describe the structure and role of the basal ganglia.
The basal ganglia are deep-brain nuclei including the striatum (putamen and caudate nucleus), globus pallidus
, subthalamic nucleus, and substantia nigra. Motor control + reward/cognition.
What is the role of the substantia nigra, and what disease is associated with its degeneration?
The substantia nigra produces dopamine, and its degeneration is a hallmark of Parkinson’s disease, leading to movement difficulties.
Explain the purpose of cerebrospinal fluid and the ventricular system.
Cerebrospinal fluid, produced by the ventricular system, cushions the brain, protects against injury, and supports brain metabolism.
Define the terms “ipsilateral” and “contralateral” in brain anatomy.
“Ipsilateral” refers to connections or effects on the same side of the brain
“contralateral” refers to connections crossing to the opposite hemisphere.
What are association tracts, and what is their role?
Association tracts connect different areas within the same hemisphere, facilitating communication between brain regions for integrated cognitive functions.
Describe the concept of a “neuroanatomical atlas” and its purpose.
A neuroanatomical atlas is a reference tool used to systematically map brain regions for studying structure and function, often used in imaging studies to localize activity or pathology.
What does the term “neuropil” refer to?
Neuropil is a dense network of synapses, unmyelinated axons, and dendrites within grey matter, where intense neural processing occurs.
What are the functional divisions of the basal ganglia?
The basal ganglia’s main divisions are limbic/emotional, associative (behavior), and motor.
What is the cerebellum and where is it located?
The cerebellum, also called the “little brain,” is located below the occipital lobe and behind the brainstem. It maintains balance, coordinates automatic movements, and supports cognitive functions such as attention, language, and memory.
Describe the structure and connectivity of the cerebellum.
The cerebellum has two hemispheres connected by the vermis and includes three lobes per hemisphere: anterior, posterior, and flocculonodular. It connects to the brainstem via the superior, middle, and inferior peduncles.
What is connectional neuroanatomy?
Connectional neuroanatomy studies the brain’s network of white matter tracts that connect various regions. This includes tracts connecting the brainstem, projections, association, and commissural fibers within the cerebral hemispheres.
Explain the role of projection fibers.
Projection fibers link the cerebral cortex with subcortical structures and the spinal cord. They include thalamic radiations and corticofugal fibers, connecting parts like the thalamus, putamen, and internal capsule with the cortex.