brain anatomy and function

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Brain Anatomy and Brain Anatomy and Function Function


Anatomy of the BrainAnatomy of the Brain

• Separated into right and left halves by the Interhemispheric Fissure

• The Central Sulcus runs down & forward

• The Lateral Fissure runs backward & up


• Thought

• Voluntary movement

• Speech motor

• Covers 1/3rd of area of the brain

Frontal and Temporal LobesFrontal and Temporal Lobes

• Memory

• Auditory function

Frontal Temporal


• Sensation

• Touch

• Pressure

• Pain

• Temperature

• Texture

• Position/spatial orientation

Parietal and Occipital LobesParietal and Occipital Lobes

• Vision

• Visual processes

• Reading

Parietal Occipital


• Large Muscle Coordination

• Balance Walking,

Writing

Medulla Oblongata, Medulla Oblongata, Cerebellum, and PonsCerebellum, and Pons

• Relay between the cerebral hemispheres and the cerebellum

• Respiration• Heart rate• Continuous

with the spinal cord (2.5 cm)

CerebellumMedulla Oblongata

Pons


Basal Ganglia and ThalamusBasal Ganglia and Thalamus

“The Brakes”

• Modifies movement on a minute-to-minute basis

• Inhibits Movement

• Coordination

• Cortical relay


• Attention

• Sensory gateway

• Memory processing

• Rage

• Aggression

• Sexuality

• Appetite/Thirst

Limbic SystemLimbic System


The Nerve CellThe Nerve Cell

Synaptic junction


NeurotransmittersNeurotransmitters

• Serotonin – major – emotions, judgment, eating and sleep disorders (associated with frontotemporal disorder)

• Glutamate/GABA - Widespread, anxiety, sleep, (Valium targets this)

• Dopamine – memory, mood, movement, Parkinson's Disease, psychiatric problems

• Endorphins – relief of pain, (Morphine targets this)

Lichtman, J., et al Washington University 2002


SerotoninSerotonin

Normal functions Emotions Judgment Sleep

Imbalances

Depression

Suicidal behavior

Anxiety

Impulsive behavior

Eating disorders

Glutamate/GABAGlutamate/GABA

Normal functions

• Involved in most facets of brain function

Imbalances

Memory disturbances

Sleep disturbances

Anxiety


DopamineDopamine

Normal functions Mood

Movement

Memory

Imbalances Movement disorders

Schizophrenia

Addiction

EndorphinsEndorphins

Normal functions

• Relieve pain

• Induce euphoria


Normal Aging BrainNormal Aging Brain

• Brain weight and volume decrease

• Grooves widen

• Surface smoothes

• Neurofibrillary tangles increase

• Understanding normal variation is key to interpretation


Brain Glucose Metabolism –Brain Glucose Metabolism –NormalNormal

• Normal brain tissue actively metabolizes glucose and its analogue (F-18 FDG)

• Glucose metabolism provides 95% of the energy required for brain function

• FDG is irreversibly trapped within brain cells in proportion to its use because it cannot be broken down or stored unlike glucose


FDG-PET FDG-PET Normal Normal Brain MetabolismBrain Metabolism


FDG-PET FDG-PET AbnormalAbnormal Brain Brain ImagingImaging

• Dementia Memory loss Cognitive Decline

• Epilepsy Localization of a seizure focus

• Tumor Assessment Radiation Necrosis vs Tumor Grade

• Objective Imaging Diagnosis of Movement Disorders Huntington’s Disease Parkinson’s Disease


Dementia Diagnosis:Dementia Diagnosis:Current MethodsCurrent Methods

• History and physical examination Neurologist (Sens. = 50-80%) Neuropsychologist / Neuropsychiatrist

• Neuropsychological testing

• MRI / CT

• Blood testing

• Functional Neuroimaging (SPECT/ PET/MR)

• Sens.=80-90%


SummarySummary

• Normal Brain Anatomy

• Normal Brain Function

• Current PET Brain Applications: Diagnosis of Dementia

Seizure Localization

Tumor Assessment

Objective Imaging Diagnosis of Movement Disorders (not CMS approved)


ContributorsContributors

• Rebecca Trunnell Hyman• Coordinator of PET Services• Clinical PET of West County - Creve

Coeur, MO

• Kevin L. Berger, M.D. • Assistant Professor of Radiology• Director of PET Imaging• Michigan State University – East

Lansing, MI

brain anatomy and function

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