10 topics with brief reviews: definitions, key facts, and class questions.
The central nervous system does not function as a set of isolated cells, but rather as a coordinated ensemble. In this section, we examine the basic principles of CNS functioning: how neurons communicate with each other, integrate into nerve centers, and regulate each other's activity.
Here you will study the mechanisms of neuronal interaction and the fundamental phenomenon of inhibition, including classical Sechenov central inhibition. The second half of the section is devoted to diagnostics. We will analyze how physicians and physiologists peer into the working brain: from classical electroencephalography (EEG) to modern instrumental methods for visualizing blood supply and metabolism, as well as methods for active cortical stimulation.
What is most frequently asked in class? Instructors will definitely ask about the mechanisms and types of inhibition in the CNS, ask you to explain the essence of Sechenov's experiment with the thalamic frog, and make you interpret the origins of the main EEG rhythms. Pay maximum attention to these topics.
The basis of fatigue is synaptic depression. During intensive work, the stores of neurotransmitter required for signal transmission simply run out in the presynaptic terminals.
Why is the summary response during occlusion less than expected?
The reason lies in the presence of shared "overlapping neurons". During simultaneous stimulation, they receive inputs from both sources, but cannot produce a double response, so the overall reaction turns out to be less than the arithmetic sum of the separate responses.
What is the essence of the common final path principle?
This is a concept of motor control organization according to which an alpha motoneuron collects and sums up all descending and peripheral signals. It acts as the sole output (integrator) for motor commands to the muscle.
Why is a 0.25% hydrochloric acid solution used in Sechenov's experiment?
The acid solution is necessary for applying a dosed painful stimulus, which elicits a standard acid protective defense reflex, allowing its baseline latency to be measured.
Why are brain atlases used during stereotaxic surgeries?
Atlases contain sequential frontal brain sections. They are essential for precise mathematical calculation of electrode insertion coordinates relative to the sagittal and basal planes.
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