Exploring the nervous system's intricacies, this overview delves into circadian rhythms, mirror neurons, and neurotrophins. It highlights the development of the CNS and PNS, their protective mechanisms, and the challenges posed by neurological disorders. The text emphasizes the adaptability and vulnerability of the nervous system, underscoring the importance of ongoing research for therapeutic advancements.
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Circadian rhythms are intrinsic, biological processes that regulate the timing of physiological and behavioral events in a roughly 24-hour cycle, playing a crucial role in daily patterns such as the sleep-wake cycle, hormone release, and metabolism
Clock Genes and Feedback Loop
The molecular basis of circadian rhythms involves a set of clock genes that exhibit a cyclical pattern of expression, forming a feedback loop that oscillates over the day
In mammals, the master circadian clock is located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus, which synchronizes peripheral clocks throughout the body
Mirror neurons are a specialized type of neuron that activates both when an individual performs an action and when they observe the same action performed by another, providing insight into the neural underpinnings of social cognition
Inferior Frontal Gyrus and Inferior Parietal Lobule
Neuroimaging studies have implicated regions such as the inferior frontal gyrus and the inferior parietal lobule in the functioning of mirror neurons
The mirror neuron system is believed to be fundamental to the development of complex social behaviors and communication, including the evolution of human language
The development of the vertebrate nervous system begins with the formation of the neural plate, which folds to form the neural tube, differentiating into the brain and spinal cord
Migration of Neural Crest Cells
Neural crest cells, which arise at the borders of the neural tube, migrate to various locations in the body to form the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and other structures
Inductive Signals from the Mesoderm
Inhibition of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) by antagonists like Noggin and Chordin initiates neural differentiation
Neurogenesis, the production of neurons from neural stem cells, continues throughout life in certain brain regions, contributing to the plasticity and regenerative capacity of the nervous system
Neurotrophins are a family of growth factors critical for the development, maintenance, and survival of neurons, including nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)
Neurotrophins bind to specific receptors on neurons to promote growth and prevent apoptosis, playing a crucial role in the development and function of the nervous system
In addition to their role in development, neurotrophins are also involved in synaptic plasticity, essential for learning and memory
00
The central circadian clock in mammals is found in the ______ of the ______.
suprachiasmatic nucleus
hypothalamus
01
Although light is a key factor that aligns the circadian clock with the environment, these rhythms can persist without external cues, showing their ______ origin.
endogenous
02
Mirror neuron discovery location
Initially found in macaque monkeys; evidence also in humans.
