Cohorts: cohort-2028

Station 3. Diencephalon

Neuroanatomy lab navigation The diencephalon is composed of the thalamus, hypothalamus, and epithalamus. Thalamus The thalamus is key structure that relays information to the cortex associated with motor and sensory information.  There are also thalamus nuclei that form the connections in the memory and emotion circuit from the hippocampal formation. This portion of the thalamus […]

Station 2. Cerebrum, sulci, and gyri

Neuroanatomy lab navigation Introduction to neuroanatomy Figure 1. Anatomic directional terms. From Neuroanatomy: A Laboratory Guide (2e); Jansen and Lampa. Introduction to the Central Nervous System Watch this excellent Introduction to the Central Nervous System from University of British Columbia Neuroanatomy. Cerebrum, sulci, and gyri Lobes of the cerebrum Recall that the surfaces of the […]

Station 4: The brainstem

Neuroanatomy lab navigation Parts of the brainstem Midbrain Mesencephalon Pons Metencephalon Medulla Myelencephalon The basal subdivision of the brainstem is the most anterior and contains mostly the descending fiber tracts. The tegmentum is the location of the cranial nerve nuclei, ascending fiber tracts, and the reticular formation. In the medulla, it also contains important neurons […]

4. Limbic neurotransmitters and relevant neuroanatomy 

Norepinephrine (Noradrenaline) Primary location Concentrated in the hypothalamus, medial limbic system, locus ceruleus (rostral pons), and medulla. Functions Modulates alertness, attentiveness, and arousal. Clinical relevance Degeneration of noradrenergic projections from the rostral pons is implicated in neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders. Current research explores its role in cognitive and behavioral changes (e.g., Holland et al., 2021). […]

3. Long-term potentiation and memory consolidation 

Long-Term Potentiation (LTP) is a form of synaptic plasticity where repeated stimulation of a synapse increases its strength, enhancing the likelihood of future activation and contributing to memory formation. LTP mechanisms Glutamate release NMDA receptor activation Calcium influx Retrograde signaling via nitric oxide Leading to increased neurotransmitter release and synaptic responsiveness The LTP process Image […]

2. Memory function and the neuroanatomy 

Key definitions Learning is a neural mechanism by which the organism’s behavior changes because of an experience or stimulus. Memory is the storage mechanism for what is learned. Normally, once memory information is encoded, it is no longer dependent on the hippocampus for retrieval. Memory involves distinct brain regions Hippocampus Critical for encoding and consolidating […]

1. Neuroanatomy and limbic system functions 

Functions regulated by the limbic system Mnemonic Use the acronym HOME. H Homeostasis: Maintains internal physiological balance via hypothalamic connections. O Olfaction: Processes smell through olfactory pathways. M Memory: Especially episodic and spatial memory via the medial temporal lobe. E Emotion: Modulates emotional responses through the Papez circuit and amygdala. Medial temporal lobe: Central to […]

Limbic system and functional neurocircuitry

Learning goals Identify and localize the neuroanatomy of the limbic system on diagrams and MRI images  Describe how specific brain regions and functional neural pathways are involved in short- and long-term memory  Explain how long-term potentiation is associated with establishing memories  Describe the functional neural pathways and neurotransmitter circuits associated with neuronal excitation, inhibition, and […]

Parasitology 3: Tissue-invasive parasites

Learning goals Contrast the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, and diagnosis of cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis Contrast the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, and diagnosis of Toxoplasma gondii infection in patients with HIV/AIDS, neonates, and immunocompetent hosts Contrast the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, and diagnosis of diseases caused by Trichinella, Toxocara (visceral larva migrans), Taenia solium (cysticercosis), […]