Neuroscience Fundamentals

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Questions and Answers

What is the approximate weight of the human brain?

1.3-1.5 kg (correct)

2-3 kg

3-4 kg

0.5-1 kg

Which ion is primarily responsible for depolarizing the neuron during an action potential?

Sodium (correct)

Calcium

Magnesium

Potassium

What is the primary function of the myelin sheath?

To contain neuronal cell bodies

To generate action potentials

To insulate the axon (correct)

To slow down signal transmission

How many layers does the cerebral cortex have?

6 Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of the meninges is closest to the brain?

Pia mater Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the body's energy does the brain consume?

20-25% Signup and view all the answers

What is true about the Tri-une Brain Model?

It is outdated and oversimplified Signup and view all the answers

What is true about hemispheric specialization?

It is only true for a few lateralized activities Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct term for the meningeal layer that is not mentioned?

Perimater Signup and view all the answers

Where is cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) primarily found?

The sub-arachnoid space and ventricles Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the occipital lobe?

Visual processing Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the limbic system?

Memory, emotions, and behaviors Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the synaptic bulb?

Connects to the dendrites of other neurons Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of Long-term Potentiation (LTP)?

Increasing the number of receptors at the synapse Signup and view all the answers

What is the process of adult neurogenesis primarily occurring in?

Dentate gyrus Signup and view all the answers

Which imaging modality uses sound waves?

Ultrasound Signup and view all the answers

Which diagnostic tool is least likely to be used for neurodegenerative diseases?

Ultrasound Signup and view all the answers

What is a common non-motor symptom of Parkinson's disease?

Depression Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common form of Alzheimer's disease?

Sporadic form Signup and view all the answers

What is CRISPR-Cas9 used for?

Targeted genetic modification Signup and view all the answers

What is Lecanemab (LEQEMBI) used to treat?

Alzheimer's disease Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of gene therapy?

Introducing nucleic acids into cells to deliver a therapeutic gene Signup and view all the answers

What type of vector is used in gene delivery systems?

Lipid-based systems Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of Lentivirus as a viral vector?

Long-term expression Signup and view all the answers

What type of protein aggregates are found in Lewy bodies in Parkinson's disease?

α-synuclein Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of Schwann cells?

Forming myelin sheaths in the peripheral nervous system Signup and view all the answers

Which ion is involved in the generation of action potentials in neurons?

Sodium (Na+) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system?

Insulating neurons Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of microglia in the brain?

Phagocytosis of cellular debris Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary application of MRI in brain imaging?

Functional imaging of the brain Signup and view all the answers

What is the underlying cause of Huntington's disease?

An expansion of CAG repeats in the HTT gene Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of Parkinson's disease?

Loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a technique used in gene therapy?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) in gene therapy?

Reduce the expression of mutant alleles Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate Encephalization Quotient (EQ) for humans?

7.5 Signup and view all the answers

What is the astrocyte-neuron ratio in humans approximately?

2:1 Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Deconstructing Neuromyths

The "10% brain usage" myth is false; all brain areas are active at different times.
Hemispheric specialization is true for only a few lateralized activities.

Key Numbers and Concepts

The approximate weight of the human brain is 1.3-1.5 kg.
The brain consumes 20-25% of the body's energy.

Neuroanatomy

The cerebral cortex is divided into 6 layers.
The Pia mater is the layer of the meninges closest to the brain.

Electrophysiology

The myelin sheath insulates the axon, allowing for faster signal transmission.
Sodium (Na+) is the primary ion responsible for depolarizing the neuron during an action potential.

Plasticity

Brain plasticity refers to the brain's ability to reorganize and form new neural connections.

Neurogenesis

In adult humans, neurogenesis primarily occurs in the subventricular zone and dentate gyrus.

Glial Cells

Oligodendrocytes form the myelin sheath in the central nervous system.
Microglia are primarily involved in phagocytosis of cellular debris.

Brain Imaging

MRI is commonly used for functional imaging of the brain.
PET scans are useful for imaging tumors and neurodegenerative diseases.

Neurodegenerative Diseases

Huntington's disease is primarily caused by an expansion of CAG repeats in the HTT gene.
Parkinson's disease is characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra.

Therapeutic Approaches

Gene therapy involves editing the genetic code, inhibiting gene expression, and administering small molecules.
Antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) are used to reduce the expression of mutant alleles.

Additional Notes

The Mozart effect has no significant effect on intelligence.
The concept of learning while sleeping is a myth.
The Encephalization Quotient (EQ) for humans is approximately 7.5.
Astrocytes can dedifferentiate into neural stem cells.
Ependymocytes are responsible for producing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Microglia change morphology based on the presence of pathogens and their function.
The spatial resolution of a CT scan is approximately 0.5 x 0.5 mm.
Ultrasound uses sound waves for imaging.
A common non-motor symptom of Parkinson's disease is depression.
The most common form of Alzheimer's disease is the sporadic form.
Lecanemab (LEQEMBI) is used to treat Alzheimer's disease.
CRISPR-Cas9 is a technology used for targeted genetic modification.
Lewy bodies in Parkinson's disease contain aggregates of α-synuclein.
A common environmental factor linked to Parkinson's disease is neurotoxins like Rotenone.
Microglia are the primary immune cells of the central nervous system.
In Alzheimer's disease, microglia are often found near amyloid plaques.
Neurofibrillary tangles in Alzheimer's disease are composed of Tau protein.
One of the early diagnostic tools for Alzheimer's disease is MMSE scoring.
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is primarily maintained by astrocytes.
The primary function of Schwann cells is to form myelin sheaths in the peripheral nervous system.

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Description

This quiz covers common misconceptions about the brain, key brain facts, and neuroanatomy and electrophysiology basics.