The combination of the receptor and neurotransmitter also determines whether or not a neuron is Excitatory or Inhibitory. We've seen a great variety in neurotransmitters and the type of functions that they are or the type of functions that they're typically associated with and a number of different receptors that we can see on a postsynaptic connection. The receptors on the postsynaptic connection will determine to what neurotransmitter a particular neuron will respond to. Neurons also vary tremendously in the type of receptors in the neurotransmitters that they utilize as we've discussed in a previous module. Some neurons transmit information over a distance of just a few millimeters whereas, others particularly those in the spinal cord that send electrical signals to our muscles in our legs can have an extensive length sometimes up to three feet over which they transmit the information. Some neurons have very dense dendritic sprouting, dendritic connection whereas others are very simple and only have a few dendrites. Neurons also vary tremendously in length and complexity. The interneurons which transmit information over shorter or longer distances and the motor neurons which will take in electrical stimulus or an action potential and translate it into a motor movement or a muscle contraction. And that neurons can vary tremendously in type for example the sensory neurons, which take in information and translate information into electrical signals. We've seen that neurons form the fundamental information processing unit of the brain. In our previous models, we've discussed some of the anatomical properties of the brain and then this module will be discussing some of the functional properties of the brain.

In this model we will be discussing the functional anatomy of the brain. The course will also introduce basic neuroscience concepts necessary to understand the implementation of neuroimaging methods, including structural and functional human neuroanatomy, cognitive domains, and experimental design.

Each will be reviewed in the context of their specific methods, source of signal, goals, and limitations. Topics include the history of neuroimaging, an introduction to neuroimaging physics and image formation, as well as an overview of different neuroimaging applications, including functional MRI, diffusion tensor imaging, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, perfusion imaging, and positron emission tomography imaging. Designed for students and professionals, this course will introduce the basic principles of neuroimaging methods as applied to human subjects research and introduce the neuroscience concepts and terminology necessary for a basic understanding of neuroimaging applications. Neuroimaging methods are used with increasing frequency in clinical practice and basic research.

Functional neuroanatomy definition