NEUROANATOMY
What is the term for the grooves (valleys) on the surface of the cerebral cortex?
Sulci
What is the resting membrane potential of a typical neuron?
-70mV (+- 10)
Weakness in the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles suggests damage to which cranial nerve?
CNXI Accessory
Which part of the human body did Aristotle believe was the organ of intelligence and emotion?
Heart
What do we call computers that "think" like the brain?
Artificial Intelligence
Which almond-shaped nucleus within the limbic system is most important for fear processing?
Amygdala
What is the term for action potential conduction that “jumps” between nodes?
Saltatory Conduction
Which brain infection can present with fever, headache, neck stiffness, and positive Kernig’s sign?
Meningitis
The Russian physiologist won the 1904 Nobel Prize for his experiment on dogs discovering Classical Conditioning.
Ivan Pavlov
This tech company’s 2023 trial implanted a wireless brain chip in a human, allowing thought-controlled computer use.
Neuralink
Harvey Cushing discovered that a disorder of this gland causes the condition now known as Cushing’s syndrome. What is the name of this structure?
Pituitary Gland
This tool invented in the 1920s records the brains electrical activity through scalp electrodes.
EEG (Electroencephalogram)
Which condition is associated with facial droop due to facial nerve palsy?
Bell's Palsy
This controversial brain surgery was performed to treat mental illness by cutting pre-frontal cortical connections.
Lobotomy
In 2021, the FDA controversially approved Aducanumab, the first drug targeting amyloid plaques in this disease.
Alzheimer's Disease
What is the map of the body in the cortex called?
Homunculus
Which hormone is tonically inhibited by dopamine?
Prolactin
Which neurological condition is often called a “mini-stroke” because symptoms resolve within 24 hours?
Transient ischemic attack
The ancient Egyptians drilled holes in the skull to relieve pain and release evil spirits. What is this procedure called?
Craniotomy or Trepanation
Which brain imaging method uses radioactive tracers to study metabolism and neurotransmitter activity?
PET scan (positron emission tomography)
Which brain structure helps keep you awake and alert?
Reticular Formation
Which brain circuit connects hippocampus, mammillary bodies, and anterior thalamus for memory?
Papez Circuit
Multiple sclerosis is primarily a disease affecting which cells of the nervous system?
Oligidendrocytes
The first functional MRI (fMRI) scans were done in this decade.
1990s
In this week a potential groundbreaking cure was discovered for a neurodegenarative disease.
Huntington's