Rob Davis Limbic System: Homeostasis, Olfaction, Memory, and Emotion Anatomical and Clinical Review Limbic system includes cortical and subcortical structures which are located mainly in medial and ventral regions of the cerebral hemispheres Simplification of Limbic Functions and Corresponding Key Structures Limbic Functions Key Structures Homeostasis, autonomis and neuroendocrine control Hypothalamus Olfaction Olfactory Cortex Memory Hippocamplal Formation … Read more
Learning Disabilities First observations and studies focused on reading disorders, as early as 100 years ago. No diagnostic category of “LD” until 1960’s. Original label was minimal brain damage/dysfunction. Ongoing etiological debate: biological nature of disorder vs. failure of educational system (nature vs. nurture). 1987 definition (is there a more recent one?): a generic term … Read more
Lichtheim’s Model of Language Localization Key to Symbols in the Diagram A The area containing “sensory memory images for the sounds of words” Wernicke proposed these images were stored in the posterior portion of the first (superior) temporal gyrus in the left hemisphere. Damage in this area results in “sensory aphasia” or “Wernicke’s aphasia.” Auditory … Read more
Hydrocephalus Definition An abnormal increase in the amount of cerebrospinal fluid within the cranial cavity that is accompanied by expansion of the cerebral ventricles and (in infants)enlargement of the skull Can result either from increased production or decreased absorption of CSF, or from blockage of one of the normal outflow pathways of the ventricular system … Read more
Brief Overview of Huntington’s Disease 30,000 affected in US; 200,000 at risk Affects striatum/basal ganglia (esp. caudate nucleus) Triad of clinical symptoms: motor (unsteady gait, involuntary movements; slurred speech; difficulty in swallowing; intoxicated appearance) cognitive and behavioral (personality changes, depression, mood swings,impaired judgment) diagnosis relies on emergence of chorea (traditional); progressively disabling, adult-onset, lethal usual … Read more
DEFINITION Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is an infection by one of two viruses that progressively destroys white blood cells called lymphocytes, causing acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and other diseases that result from the impaired immunity Types HIV-1 Most common in the Western Hemisphere, Europe, Asia, and in Central, South, and East Africa HIV-2 Most … Read more
HISTORICAL ROOTS First Uses of the Term 1913: Term first used by Sir William Osler 1936: Entered psychology nomenclature after use by Karl Lashley 1949: Term used by D. O. Hebb in his book, The organization of behavior: A neuropsychological theory. The term was undefined, however. 1957: The term became a recognized designation for a … Read more
ANTIDEPRESSANTS/MOOD STABILIZERS Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) Common TCAs imipramine (Tofranil) clomipramine (Anafranil) amitriptyline (Elavil) Mechanism of Action NE and 5-HT receptors Uses Somatic and vegetative symptoms of depression, panic attacks, agoraphobia, and obsessive states Side Effects Anticholinergic (e.g., dry mouth, blurred vision, pupil dilation, urinary retention, nasal congestion, skin rash, cardiovascular effects, memory, confusion, and insomnia) … Read more
Frontal Subcortical Circuits The General structure shared by ALL frontal-subcortical circuits (direct connections) (CSGT: Cortex, Striatum, Globus Pallidus, Thalmus) There are 5 frontal-subcortical circuits that provide a neuroanatomical basis for movement and behavior, named by either function or cortical site of origin. Each circuit uses the same transmitters at each anatomic site. The relative … Read more
Endocrinology Overview Endocrinology is the study of chemical communication systems that provide the means to control a huge number of physiologic processes Two systems control all physiologic processes The nervous system sends electrical messages to control and coordinate the body The endocrine system uses chemicals to communicate, called hormones Three general classes or groups of … Read more