The Cerebral Cortex

Anatomy Class

The Cerebral Cortex Anatomy Class P a rt y

The Cerebral Cortex Thin area of gray matter Three Functional Areas : –Sensory areas

The Cerebral Cortex Thin area of gray matter Three Functional Areas : –Sensory areas –Motor areas

The Cerebral Cortex Thin area of gray matter Three Functional Areas : –Sensory areas –Motor areas –Association areas

The Cerebral Cortex Lateralization

The Cerebral Cortex Lateralization Conscious behavior involves multiple regions

Functions of Neurons in Cerebral Cortex

Primary Motor Cortex Control of voluntary movement

Primary Motor Cortex Control of voluntary movement Body is represented spatially on PMC

PMC: Clinical Application Damage to PMC paralyzes muscles controlled by that region of brain

Somatosensory Cortex Receive stimuli from sensory receptors and proprioreceptors

Somatosensory Homunculus Size indicates level of sensitivity

Functions of Neurons in Cerebral Cortex

Visual Cortex Receives visual stimuli from optic nerve

Functions of Neurons in Cerebral Cortex

Auditory Cortex Receives stimuli from tympanic membrane

Functions of Neurons in Cerebral Cortex

Association Areas of Cerebral Cortex

Cortex Association Areas Produce understanding of objects in environment

Visual Association Area Understanding of visual stimuli in environment

Auditory Association Areas Understanding of sounds in environment

Principles of Brain Function 1. Involves several brain regions that perform different types of processing 2. Pathways link the parts of the brain responsible for each function 3. Each part of the brain projects in an orderly fashion onto the next 4. One side of the brain controls the other side of the body

Brain Function Extra Credit Perform illusions with friend or family member Due Thursday, Nov 29 after Thanksgiving break

Brain Power: Pseudocyesis “Bloody” Mary Tudor

Brain Power: BP and Heart Rate Criss Angel from Phenomenon

Brain Function and Learning I.Studying Brain Function II.Components of the CNS III.Learning & Memory IV.Brain Disorders

The Nature of Memory Most of what we perceive is forgotten

The Nature of Memory Most of what we perceive is forgotten Memory formation requires repetitive use of synapses

How is Information Stored? Neurons are physically altered by learning

How is Information Stored? Neurons are physically altered by learning Untrained Trained

How is Information Stored? Neurons are physically altered by learning Physical change leads to stronger EPSP’s

How to Alter Synaptic Strength 1.Neuromodulation –Lasts minutes to hours –strengthen or weaken synapse –Opens or closes ________ in presynaptic neuron

Neuromodulation is Short Term Change Increase Ca 2+ influx Block K + Efflux Prolong AP Increase Neurotransmitter Output

How to Alter Synaptic Strength 2. Potentiation –Lasts days to years –strengthens synapse –modify dendrites on _________ neuron –requires repeated stimulation

Potentiation is Long Term Change Dendrite is remodeled Repeated bursts of synaptic activity Ions flow more rapidly into dendrite

Short-Term vs. Long-Term Memory Neuromodulation enables short-term memory Potentiation enables long-term memory

Factors influencing Learning Number of synapses is greatest at the age 2

Factors influencing Learning Number of synapses is greatest at the age 2 Sleeping after studying enhances learning

Brain Function and Learning I.Studying Brain Function II.Components of the CNS III.Learning & Memory IV.Brain Disorders

Computer Games Save the Brain?

Plaque Alzheimer’s Disease Results in dementia Protein plaque accumulates in brain

Brain Games to Detect Alzheimers?

Fighting Alzheimers Disease Mouse with Alzheimer’s GeneNasal Injection Research Team

Parkinson’s Disease Characteristic symptoms

Parkinson’s Disease Characteristic symptoms Loss of dopamine-releasing neurons PET Scan

Parkinson’s Disease Characteristic symptoms Loss of dopamine-releasing neurons Dopamine facilitates coordinated movement in the motor cortex

Epileptic Seizures Torrent of nerve activity in brain Hyperactivity in particular region of body

Cerebrovascular Accident (Stroke) Loss of blood flow to brain Loss of regional brain function Know the S.T.R.