what is a direct measurement of neural activity?
Electric and Magnetic Signals
Electroencephalography (EEG)
Magnetoencephalography (MEG)
-Similar temporal resolution to EEG
-Better spatial resolution (no signal distortion)
***ID cortical functionality
what are indirect measurement of neural activity?
Metabolic Signals
1) Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
2) Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)
Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
-BAD = radioactive isoptope (Invasive) // Limited # of tests
2) Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)
-magnetic properties of hemoglobin (O2 : deoxygenated)
=blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) effect
GOOD bcuz…
previous Evolving Brain Theory
1) Neural circuitry is static
2) Cognitive functions & memory are localized
3) Information processing = ONLY serial processing
4) Brain = driven by EXTRINSIC sensory input
5) Brain function(s) VULNERABLE to single site injury
6) Clinical supporting evidence limited
current evolution brain theory
1) Neural circuitry is plastic
2) Cognitive functions & memory are distributed
3) Information processing = serial, parallel, & reciprocal
4) Brain = driven by internal, INTRINSIC cycles (intrinsic and extrinsic interaction)
5) Brain func(s) RESISTANT to degradation by single site injury
6) Clinical supporting evidence strong
single-source divergent networks define
one type of signaling molecule that influence numerous other target brain areas.
Often neurons w/in these nuclei have axons, which diverge & send projections to multiple brain regions
single-source divergent network characteristics
5 Single-source Divergent Networks
5 Single-source Divergent Networks general features
-Each system = unique NT (All small NTs)
-Ca2+ dependent release
-Neurons that release a single NT are contained in nuclei =
brainstem, hypothalamus, and basal forebrain
-Network neurons have unmyelinated axons & highly arborized = synapse on many target
-All 5 networks are interconnected & work cooperatively together to control overall brain state (consciousness, attention, etc.)
Neural Networks Working Together:
w/in neural networks = circuits (excitatory & inhibitory) via = serial, parallel & reciprocal.
–also between each network
how is cognitive neuroscience studied?
Nature (Genetics)
Nurture (Experience)
Neuronal Networks/ Assemblies
Neural Darwinism
-neurobiology of consciousness
-brain is a somatic selection system that works in a manner similar to evolution
3 Stages = Developmental Selection// Experiential Selection // Mapping
Developmental Selection (Neural Darwinism)
Under genetic control
o Cell division & cell death
o Axon & cell migration taking place
o Growth factors, cytokines, & glutamate = key players
Experiential Selection (Neural Darwinism)
Under experiential control
o Functioning circuits created with somatosensory input
o Circuits created during developmental r strengthened
o Refinement of the network
Mapping (Neural Darwinism)
Numerous neural maps are formed by the brain
o maps = processing of signals from body & environment
oEx: 1 brain map = pressure r/c for the body –> brain
o Maps can interact w/ each other = further refinement
Building Neural Networks
follows Hebb’s synaptic plasticity (LTP, LTD)
**LTP needs pre & post neuronal firing
o Relies on protein kinase activity
o Produces increased synaptic efficiency & strength
**LTD requires “asynchronous” firing
o Relies on protein phosphatases activity
o Produces weakened synaptic strength & efficiency
–Both LTP & LTD need (+) of NMDA r/c and entry of Ca2+
–[Ca2+] onto postsynaptic neuron = LTP or LTD occurs
possibly use same set of regulatory proteins
(+) feedforward excitatory connection
-information from a lower level of a circuit being transmitted to a higher level
(Ex: LGB –> cortical)
(+) feedback excitatory connection
-info = lower –> higher –> lower level.
Ex: LGB –> ocrtical –> LGB