Neurophysiology

No. When you are born, you have the most neurons you will ever have. Until you are in your early 20's your brain continues to "trim" neurons from your brain, a mechanism that aids in learning and development. After this point, as you age, you begin to lose neurons, simply from age. After brain development is complete in utero, there are only two locations in the brain that are capable of generating new neurons: the hippocampus (thought to play a role in learning new information) and the olfactory bulb (learning and recognizing new smells).

Without glial cells, the nervous system would not function properly. Glial cells support and nourish neurons, help maintain the blood-brain barrier, and play a crucial role in neurotransmitter recycling. Overall, the absence of functioning glial cells would result in impaired communication between neurons, leading to disrupted brain function and potentially serious neurological disorders.

Anencephalitis is a rare condition characterized by the absence of a major part of the brain, specifically the cerebral hemispheres. This condition is typically detected during prenatal ultrasounds and results in severe neurodevelopmental abnormalities. Unfortunately, it is not compatible with life beyond the immediate neonatal period.

Calcium ions (Ca2+) are responsible for triggering the fusion of neurotransmitter vesicles with the axon membrane during the conduction of a nerve impulse. When an action potential reaches the axon terminal, voltage-gated calcium channels open, allowing calcium ions to enter the cell and initiate the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft.

While there may be a genetic component to sociopathy, it is not guaranteed to skip a generation. Environmental factors and upbringing play a significant role in the development of sociopathic traits. Consulting with a mental health professional can provide more information and guidance in understanding sociopathy within a family.

Neurofibromatosis typically does not directly cause death. However, complications from the condition, such as large tumors pressing on vital structures or an increased risk of certain cancers, can potentially lead to serious health issues that may be life-threatening. It is important for individuals with neurofibromatosis to receive regular medical monitoring and care to manage any associated risks.

Norepinephrine and epinephrine primarily bind to adrenergic receptors in the body, specifically alpha and beta adrenergic receptors. These receptors are part of the sympathetic nervous system and facilitate the body's "fight or flight" response.

Yes, there are two main types of synaptic plasticity: long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD). LTP strengthens synaptic connections, while LTD weakens them. These processes play a crucial role in learning and memory formation in the brain.

During the rising phase of an action potential, voltage-gated sodium channels open in response to a depolarizing stimulus. This allows sodium ions to rush into the cell, causing a rapid depolarization of the cell membrane. This results in the cell reaching its threshold and firing an action potential.

The normal size of the amygdala can vary among individuals, but it is typically around 1.5-2 centimeters in length. It is an almond-shaped structure located deep within the brain and is involved in processing emotions and memory. Variations in size can be influenced by factors such as age, gender, and overall brain size.

One common human mistake is procrastination, which can lead to missed opportunities and increased stress. Another common mistake is making decisions based on emotions rather than logic, which can lead to poor outcomes. Lastly, failing to communicate effectively can also be a common mistake that can result in misunderstandings and conflicts.

A neuron (nerve cell) receives dendritic input in order to generate action potentials to transmit signals of the same. After the action potential triggers release of neurotransmitters in the axonal terminal of that neuron, those neurotransmitters propagate the signal forward to the next neuron, and so forth.

Small foci of demyelination in both hemispheres of the brain can be caused by conditions such as acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), neuromyelitis optica (NMO), leukodystrophies, and infections like progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). These conditions can present with similar patterns of demyelination to multiple sclerosis (MS) but have distinct underlying causes and clinical features. A detailed evaluation by a neurologist and additional tests such as MRI, lumbar puncture, and blood tests are typically needed to differentiate between these conditions.

Synaptic facilitation is a process by which repeated stimulation of a presynaptic neuron enhances the strength of neurotransmission at a synapse. It typically involves an increase in neurotransmitter release due to residual calcium build-up in the presynaptic terminal. This can lead to stronger synaptic transmission and an enhanced response in the postsynaptic neuron.

Oscar Villadolid and Rafael Guerrero are fictional characters created by author Kerry Lonsdale, who feature in her novel "Last Summer". The story follows Oscar, a widower, and Rafael, his husband, as they face challenges such as grief and identity struggles. Their relationship is a central focus of the book.

The left hemisphere of the brain, particularly the areas known as the parietotemporal and occipitotemporal regions, are most closely related to dyslexia. These areas are involved in language processing, reading, and decoding skills, which are often impaired in individuals with dyslexia.

Dendrites are the branching structures that carry information toward the cell body of a neuron. They receive signals from other neurons and transmit them to the cell body for processing.

Sensory signals from the periphery travel through a series of neurons, starting with primary sensory neurons. These signals then synapse at different levels of the central nervous system, including the spinal cord, brainstem, thalamus, and finally reach the highest levels in the cerebral cortex where conscious perception occurs. The pathways include ascending tracts such as the spinothalamic tract for pain and temperature sensations and the dorsal column-medial lemniscal pathway for touch and proprioception.

Accidents can happen due to various reasons such as illness, bowel control issues, or physical limitations. In such cases, it is important to seek medical advice to address any underlying health concerns and to discuss techniques for managing bowel movements effectively.

Having multiple receptor subtypes for a neurotransmitter allows for more specific signaling and regulation of cellular processes. It enables fine-tuning of neuronal communication and can lead to diversity in physiological responses to the neurotransmitter.

The myelin sheath consists of tightly packed layers of cell membrane that insulate and protect nerve fibers. Its high lipid content allows for efficient transmission of electrical impulses along the nerve fibers by restricting ion flow across the cell membrane, which helps to maintain a consistent signal without loss of strength. This insulation allows the electrical impulse to travel more quickly down the nerve fiber.

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals and information from the presynaptic neuron to the postsynaptic neuron at the synapse. They bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, leading to changes in its membrane potential and triggering a new signal to be passed along the neural pathway. Some common neurotransmitters include acetylcholine, dopamine, serotonin, and glutamate.

Retrobulbar neuritis is inflammation of the optic nerve behind the eyeball, leading to vision loss, usually in one eye. It is typically associated with multiple sclerosis or other demyelinating conditions. Treatment may involve corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and improve vision.

Optic neuritis is typically caused by inflammation of the optic nerve, which can be triggered by a variety of factors including infections, autoimmune disorders (such as multiple sclerosis), and certain medications. This inflammation can disrupt the transmission of signals from the eye to the brain, leading to symptoms such as blurry vision, eye pain, and loss of color vision.

Yes, optic neuritis can go into remission. In some cases, the inflammation causing optic neuritis resolves on its own, leading to improvement in vision. However, it is important to monitor for any recurrence or worsening of symptoms.