30 Questions
What happens to the axons of approximately 50 percent of neurons that do not find vacant postsynaptic cells?
They die by apoptosis.
What signal does a presynaptic neuron receive from the postsynaptic cell when establishing synaptic connections?
A signal that permits it to survive.
Why does the evolutionary process involve overproduction of neurons?
To let them fight to establish synaptic connections.
What role does symmetrical division play in increasing the size of the brain according to Rakic (1988, 2009)?
It increases the size of the brain.
How many additional symmetrical divisions would account for the difference between human and rhesus macaque brains?
3-4 additional symmetrical divisions.
Why does symmetrical division last two days longer in humans compared to other species?
To provide time for 3 more divisions.
What is the neuraxis and how is it defined in relation to the central nervous system?
The neuraxis is an imaginary line drawn through the centre of the length of the central nervous system, from the bottom of the spinal cord to the front of the forebrain.
What is the difference between anterior and posterior in relation to the central nervous system?
Anterior refers to structures located near or toward the head, while posterior refers to structures located near or toward the tail.
Explain the difference between dorsal and ventral in relation to the central nervous system.
Dorsal refers to a direction perpendicular to the neuraxis toward the top of the head or the back, while ventral refers to a direction perpendicular to the neuraxis toward the bottom of the skull or the front surface of the body.
What is the difference between ipsilateral and contralateral in relation to the central nervous system?
Ipsilateral refers to structures located on the same side of the body, while contralateral refers to structures located on the opposite side of the body.
Describe the different types of brain slices or planes used to view the central nervous system.
The different types of brain slices or planes include: cross section (slice taken at right angles to the neuraxis), frontal section (slice parallel to the forehead), horizontal section (slice parallel to the ground), and sagittal section (slice parallel to the neuraxis and perpendicular to the ground).
What is the function of the motor cortex in the central nervous system?
The motor cortex generates nerve impulses that control the movement of our bodies.
What is the primary function of the meninges?
The primary function of the meninges is to protect the brain and spinal cord.
What is the subarachnoid space, and what does it contain?
The subarachnoid space is the gap between the pia mater and arachnoid membrane, and it is filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
What is the significance of the brain receiving 20% of the blood flow from the heart?
The brain requires a consistent and significant blood supply to function properly and avoid permanent damage.
How does the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) contribute to protecting the brain?
The CSF surrounding the brain and spinal cord reduces the shock and pressure on the brain caused by sudden head movements.
What is the function of the blood-brain barrier?
The blood-brain barrier chemically guards and protects the brain from harmful substances.
Why is the brain considered the most protected organ in the body?
The brain is the most protected organ due to its enclosure within the skull, the protective meningeal layers, and the blood-brain barrier.
What is the primary difference between CAT scans and MRI scans?
CAT scans use X-rays while MRI scans use magnetism and radio waves.
Explain briefly how an MRI scan works.
An MRI aligns hydrogen nuclei with a magnetic field, then uses radio waves to disturb their alignment. The energy released as the nuclei realign is detected and used to construct an image.
What advantage does an MRI have over a CAT scan?
An MRI avoids exposure to ionizing radiation (X-rays).
What does the example CAT scan series illustrate?
It shows a tumor in the brain before surgery, after surgery to remove it, and after recovery from surgery.
Why is iodine-containing contrast material sometimes used in CAT scans?
Contrast agents help enhance the visibility of certain structures or abnormalities in CT images.
What is a key advantage of MRI in imaging the brain compared to other techniques?
MRI provides very detailed images of soft tissue structures in the brain.
What are the two main goals of research in studying the brain according to the passage?
The two main goals of research in studying the brain are: 1) Explain behavior by studying physiological processes, and 2) Use generalization to deduce general laws from specific events.
What is the function of the motor cortex described in the passage?
The motor cortex generates nerve impulses that control the movement of our bodies.
What is the process of generalization that the passage describes?
The process of generalization is that all humans have a primary motor cortical region located in the same area of the brain, and stimulation of specific parts produces the same movements in all humans.
What is the second goal of research in studying the brain described in the passage?
The second goal of research is to use reductionism to explain complex behaviours in simpler terms.
What are the three behavioral difficulties described in the patient case?
The three behavioral difficulties described are: difficulty talking, difficulty swallowing, and problems with reaching out and picking up objects.
What is the physiological explanation for the patient's complex set of symptoms?
The complex set of symptoms can be reduced (explained by) damage to the right motor cortex.
Learn about the fundamental concepts related to the neuraxis and directional terms in the nervous system, such as anterior, posterior, and rostral.
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