B2B W1T2P2

Question 1

What is epilepsy characterized by in terms of brain networks?

Answer 1

Abnormal dynamics

Epilepsy involves complex interactions within brain networks.

Question 2

Approximately how many neurons are estimated to be in the human brain?

Answer 2

86 billion

This estimate highlights the complexity of the brain’s structure.

Question 3

What is the estimated range of synapses connecting neurons in the human brain?

Answer 3

• 100 trillion
• 1,000 trillion

The exact number of synapses is not known, but this range illustrates the brain’s complexity.

Question 4

The connectivity of the brain is determined by a combination of what two factors?

Answer 4

• Genes
• Environment

These factors influence the brain’s development and connectivity.

Question 5

What approach do neuroscientists often use to study brain function at a microscale?

Answer 5

Reductionist approach

This approach focuses on small components like molecules and single neurons.

Question 6

What is the smallest processing unit of the neocortex called?

Answer 6

Minicolumn

A minicolumn consists of a vertical array of connected neurons.

Question 7

What is necessary to bridge the gap between microscale studies and larger brain operations?

Answer 7

Construct models

Computational simulations help understand larger systems based on smaller scale data.

Question 8

What imaging technique is used to observe long-range axonal connections in the brain?

Answer 8

Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI)

DTI provides detailed depictions of white matter connectivity.

Question 9

What does EEG measure in terms of brain activity?

Answer 9

Rapidly changing electrical activity

EEG has high temporal resolution but poor spatial resolution.

Question 10

What does fMRI track to estimate changing neuronal activity?

Answer 10

Blood oxygenation levels

fMRI has good spatial resolution but slower temporal resolution compared to EEG.

Question 11

True or false: Functional connectivity can be derived from both EEG and fMRI.

Answer 11

TRUE

Both methods measure correlations between brain regions to assess connectivity.

Question 12

What is the significance of computational simulations in studying epilepsy?

Answer 12

• Reveal dynamic transitions
• Predict treatment outcomes

Simulations help understand how seizures emerge from brain dynamics.

Question 13

What are network nodes in the context of brain dynamics?

Answer 13

Connections between brain regions

These nodes are essential for constructing connectivity networks.

Question 14

What is the Hodgkin-Huxley model used for in neuroscience?

Answer 14

Modeling neuronal action potentials

This model is one of many used to simulate brain dynamics.

Question 15

What do dynamic models in computational simulations consist of?

Answer 15

Sets of mathematical equations

These equations describe neuronal activity over time.

Question 16

What is the goal of using real data from patients in studying brain networks?

Answer 16

Test predictions and develop new hypotheses

This approach combines empirical data with theoretical models.