Neuropsychology

Or

Ion Channels, Action Potentials, and other “shocking” things about the brain (the most

“current” information available!)

Basic Unit of Neuropsychology

Golgi Stain shows anatomy of neurons

Nissl Stain shows number of neurons in a given area

Because of excess K+ ions inside the cell membrane the neuron is polarized

When enough excitatory neurotransmitters bind, the neuron depolarizes and ‘fires’

Place an electrode on a single neuron and measure the frequency of firing.

Can also do single cell stimulation – pleasure center studies

Strokes

Aspiration Lesions

Cryogenic Blockade

External Injuries – Picture is Phineas Gage’s actual skull!

Spatial Resolution – How close in physical proximity you can get to the target brain area

Temporal Resolution – How close in time you can get to when the neurons fire

Invasiveness – The extent to which foreign substances are introduced to the body.

Cost – All are really expensive

Measures O2 flow to different brain areas

Good Spatial Resolution, poor temporal resolution, completely non-invasive

Measures 2-deoxyglycose flow to brain areas

Excellent Spatial Resolution, poor temporal resolution, somewhat invasive

Measures magnetic signals associated with neural firing in brain areas

Poor spatial resolution, excellent temporal resolution, completely non-invasive

Measures light absorption associated with neural firing in brain areas

Good, but limited spatial resolution, excellent temporal resolution, completely

non-invasive

Sends current through the scalp to activate different neural regions

Good Spatial Resolution, Excellent temporal resolution, highly invasive

Good Neuropsych studies look for dissociations:

Brain Area 1

Brain Area 2

Task 1 Task 2

Activation

ActivationNo

Activation

No Activation

Hippocampal lesions and the case of H.M.

Anterograde vs. Retrograde Amnesia

Short Term vs. Long Term Memory

Implicit vs. Explicit Memory

Bilateral Removal of the Hippocampus

Famous dissociation is the Fusiform Gyrus