Nervous Systems

Page
9

block removal

of dopamine.

Reward

system

response

Slide 66

Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a mental deterioration characterized by confusion, memory loss, and other symptoms.

Alzheimer’s disease is caused by the formation of neurofibrillary tangles and amyloid plaques in the brain.

A successful treatment in humans may hinge on early detection of amyloid plaques.

There is no cure for this disease though some drugs are effective at relieving symptoms.

Slide 67

Microscopic signs of Alzheimer’s disease

Amyloid plaque

20 µm

Neurofibrillary tangle

Slide 68

Stem Cell–Based Therapy

Unlike the PNS, the CNS cannot fully repair itself.

However, it was recently discovered that the adult human brain contains stem cells that can differentiate into mature neurons.

Induction of stem cell differentiation and transplantation of cultured stem cells are potential methods for replacing neurons lost to trauma or disease.

Slide 69

Human Brain

Cerebrum

Thalamus

Hypothalamus

Pituitary gland

Forebrain

Cerebral

cortex

Midbrain

Hindbrain

Pons

Medulla

oblongata

Cerebellum

Spinal

cord

Slide 70

You should now be able to:

Compare and contrast the nervous systems of: hydra, sea star, planarian, nematode, clam, squid, and vertebrate.

Distinguish between the following pairs of terms: central nervous system, peripheral nervous system; white matter, gray matter; bipolar disorder and major depression.

List the types of glia and their functions.

Compare the three divisions of the autonomic nervous system.

Slide 71

Describe the structures and functions of the following brain regions: medulla oblongata, pons, midbrain, cerebellum, thalamus, epithalamus, hypothalamus, and cerebrum.

Describe the specific functions of the brain regions associated with language, speech, emotions, memory, and learning.

Slide 72

Describe the symptoms and causes of schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease

Explain how drug addiction affects the brain reward system