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What is neuroscience?
What is neuroscience?
A branch of science that deals with the anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, and pathology of the nervous system.
List two reasons why taking this neuroscience course will be useful to you as an OT.
List two reasons why taking this neuroscience course will be useful to you as an OT.
Answers will vary.
The prefix 'superior' means ______.
The prefix 'superior' means ______.
above
The prefix 'ventral' refers to ______.
The prefix 'ventral' refers to ______.
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Afferent nerves carry ______ information from the skin to the spinal cord.
Afferent nerves carry ______ information from the skin to the spinal cord.
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Efferent nerves carry ______ information from the spinal cord to the muscles.
Efferent nerves carry ______ information from the spinal cord to the muscles.
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Which of the following describes the function of glial cells?
Which of the following describes the function of glial cells?
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What are the two major types of cells in the nervous system?
What are the two major types of cells in the nervous system?
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What is the role of the presynaptic terminal in a neuron?
What is the role of the presynaptic terminal in a neuron?
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What does gray matter consist of?
What does gray matter consist of?
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During which stage does the neural tube formation occur?
During which stage does the neural tube formation occur?
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Study Notes
Introduction to Neuroscience
- Neuroscience is a branch of science that studies the nervous system, including its anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, and pathology
- Understanding the nervous system is important for becoming an Occupational Therapist (OT)
Why this course is useful for OTs
- Helps understand the impact of neurological conditions on clients
- Helps develop effective intervention strategies for clients with neurological impairments
Terminology
- Superior/Inferior: Above/below another part
- Ventral/Dorsal: Toward the front (belly)/back
- Anterior/Posterior: Toward the front/back
- Rostral/Caudal: Toward the head/tail
- Medial/Lateral: Toward/away from the midline
- Proximal/Distal: Nearest/farthest from the point of origin
- Ipsilateral/Contralateral: Same/opposite side of the body
Topographic and Somatotopic Organization
- Topographic organization: Neurons responsible for the same function are located close together
- Somatotopic organization: Visual representation of the body on the brain ("homunculus")
Other Terminology
- Somatic/Visceral: Body/organs
-
Afferent/Efferent:
- Afferent: carries sensory information from skin/muscles to the spinal cord
- Efferent: Carries motor information from the spinal cord towards muscles/glands/organs
- Lesion: An area of damage or dysfunction
Planes of the Brain
- Coronal (Frontal): Divides into anterior & posterior sections
- Sagittal: Divides into right & left portions
- Transverse (Horizontal): Cuts at a right angle to the structure's long axis
Cellular Level
- Two major types of cells in the nervous system:
- Neurons: The basic functional unit of the nervous system
- Glial cells: Support and protect neurons
Neuron
- Cell body (soma): Metabolic center, receives and integrates information, and houses the axon hillock
- Dendrites: Receive information, the main input site of the neuron. Increase the receptive surface of the neuron.
- Axon: Sends information to other neurons, the main output unit. Arises from the axon hillock. Groups together to form nerves and tracts.
- Presynaptic terminal: Specialized areas at the distal axon that release neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft.
Glial Cells
-
Functions:
- Provide structural support
- Provide electrical insulation (form myelin)
- Scavengers
- Important in development
Microglia
- The immune system of the CNS
- Clean the neural environment
- Phagocytes: clean up and remove debris from dying cells
- Activated during NS development, injury, infection, or disease.
Macroglia
- Astrocytes (CNS): Clean the neural environment. Part of the blood brain barrier. Connect neurons and blood capillaries, providing nutrition to neurons. Can regulate neuronal communication.
- Oligodendrocytes (CNS): Form myelin to insulate axons in the CNS
- Schwann cells (PNS): Form myelin to insulate axons in the Peripheral Nervous System
Stem Cells
- Mature neurons cannot reproduce
-
Stem cells: Undifferentiated cells with the ability to:
- Self-renew
- Differentiate into most types of neurons and glial cells
- Populate developing and degenerating regions of the CNS
Gray and White Matter
-
Gray matter: Cell bodies
- Integrates information
- CNS: Nuclei (cortex; horn)
- PNS: Ganglia
-
White matter: Axons and myelin
- Conveys information
- CNS: Tract, fasciculus, column, peduncle, lemniscus, capsule
- PNS: Nerve
Development of the Nervous System
- Nervous system development in utero begins with the formation of the neural tube.
-
Two phases of the Embryonic Stage (Day 15 - end of the 8th week):
- Neural tube formation (Day 18-26): Part of the ectoderm thickens to form a structure called the neural plate. The edges fold to form the neural groove. When the edges meet, the neural tube is formed.
- Brain formation (Begins Day 28)
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Description
This quiz explores foundational concepts in neuroscience relevant for Occupational Therapy. Understanding nervous system anatomy, physiology, and its implications for neurological conditions is crucial for effective client interventions. Test your knowledge on key terminology and organizational principles of the nervous system.
