The adult brain averages 86 billion (∼10 11 ) neurons plus an equal number of nonneuronal support cells according to recent estimates. Each neuron can make thousands of terminal contacts, meaning that there are 10 14 to 10 15 connections…
Membranes composed of a lipid bilayer enclose all cells in the body as well as all the organelles within those cells. Being lipid, these membranes are impermeant to small ions and macromolecules alike. A variety of transport proteins, selected from…
The number of cells in the adult human central nervous system (CNS) has been estimated at 100 billion. All arise from a relatively small population of precursors, yet a diversity of cell types is seen in the adult. Their most…
Our nervous system makes us what we are. Personality, outlook, intellect, coordination, and the many other characteristics are the result of complex interactions within our nervous system. Information is received from the environment and transmitted into the brain or spinal…
Study Guidelines 1. Review the blood supply of the central nervous system and the relevance of the circle of Willis (circulus arteriosus) in limiting the deficit from a cerebral artery occlusion (see Chapter 4 ). 2. Define stroke, transient ischaemic…
Study Guidelines 1. The pituitary gland (hypophysis cerebri) is in the hypophyseal fossa of the sphenoid bone and is intimately linked to the hypothalamus. It is composed of two parts: the adenohypophysis and the neurohypophysis. 2. Hypothalamic neuroendocrine cells fulfil…
Study Guidelines Olfactory System In most vertebrates, the olfactory system is altogether more important than it is in humans. Although damage to the olfactory pathway on one side is associated with anosmia on that side, olfactory deficits are often found…
Study Guidelines 1. List the different cognitive domains and their individual roles. 2. Describe and contrast the clinical outcome of injuries to the Broca and Wernicke areas. 3. Describe the ‘steps’ performed when reading in relation to areas of the…
Study Guidelines 1. Define the layers of the retina and the cell types located in each. 2. Contrast a rod versus a cone cell with respect to structure, function, and localisation within the retina. 3. Be able to trace the…
Study Guidelines 1. Describe the general methodology performed to record sensory evoked potentials, the sensory modalities assessed, and an example of clinical disorders and expected abnormality. 2. Contrast the performance of a motor evoked potential versus a motor nerve conduction…