2022-02-24 10:36:40

Methods

  • Structural vs. functional methods

Neuroanatomy

  • Autonomic (ANS) vs. somatic divisions of the Peripheral Nervous System
    • Sympathetic vs. parasympathetic branches of ANS

Cellular neuroscience

  • Glial types and functions
  • Anatomy of neurons
    • Gap junctions as a type of synapse

Neurophysiology

  • Resting potential – what & why
    • \([K^+]\) story (where concentrated, direction of flow)
    • \([Na^+]\) story (where concentrated, direction of flow)
  • Action potential and propagation – how & why
  • Steps leading to neurotransmitter release

Neurochemistry

  • Neurotransmitter types
    • Amino acids, especially glutamate and GABA
    • Acetylcholine
    • Monoamines

Neurochemistry

  • NT anatomy (where released) and function
  • Receptor types: ionotropic vs. metabotropic
  • Inactivation mechanisms & rationale for inactivation
  • EPSPs & IPSPs

Hormones

  • Behaviors under hormonal influence
  • Hormone anatomy: Where released
  • Direct (posterior pituitary) vs. indirect (anterior) release from hypothalamus
  • Responses to threat/challenge
    • HPA axis, SAM response/axis
  • Milk letdown reflex

Brain evolution

  • When did complex animals (and nervous systems) emerge?
  • How are vertebrate brains similar/different?
  • Patterns of brain/body mass across vertebrates
  • Human brains vs. other animal brains