Anatomical coordinate systems, Biology

Assignment Help:
Brain anatomical coordinate systems are the first potential point of confusion, as there are different ones
due to the fact that research is conducted in different species where different conventions have been used. One of the coordinate systems is based on naming areas based on whether they are located closer to the head of the animal (rostral) vs. the tail of the animal (caudal) and, as the other axis, whether the area is more towards the back (dorsal) or the abdomen (ventral). In humans, there is no straight line from the forehead to the “tail” but rather the human brain has evolved in a curved structure. As a result of this, the coordinate system is also curved


Another coordinate system that is used in cognitive neuroscience has anterior-posterior as one and superior-inferior as the other axis. This coordinate system is not curved. In both coordinate systems, there is a third coordinate that runs from one ear to the other, and brain structures are further defined based on whether they are on the left or the right side of the midpoint between the ears. To define relative positions of brain structures along this dimension, the terms lateral (closer to the surface/ear) and medial (deeper in the brain/closer to midline) are used. To add to the confusion, there is yet another coordinate system in neuroimaging that communicates the directions along which the images slicing through the three-dimensional brain volume are oriented. Sagittal refers to images that are taken orthogonal to the left-right axis of the brain (i.e., looking at the brain from the side). Axial (or transverse) refers to images that are taken orthogonal to the superior-inferior axis and, finally, coronal implies that the image has been taken orthogonally to the anterior-posterior axis. The left and right side of the images are often marked due to there being two conventions: in the radiological convention, left side of the brain on axial / coronal images is located on the right side of the image and vice versa (i.e., as if you were looking at the image from the bottom rather than from the top of the head in axial images). In the neurological convention, the left side of the brain is on the left of the image, and the right side of the brain is on the right of the image.


Knowing these coordinate systems is useful when reading through cognitive neuroscience literature, and helps one to understand where things are located with respect to one another. In the following, an introduction to major divisions of brain anatomy is first described, followed by more detailed description of the structures and brain areas considered as most relevant for perceptual and cognitive functions.

Related Discussions:- Anatomical coordinate systems

Surface Processes on Earth, Which of the following is not a type of mass mo...

Which of the following is not a type of mass movement that results from the force of gravity? A. Landslide B. Creep C. Deflation D. Mudflow

What is the significance of proteins for living beings, Q. What is the sign...

Q. What is the significance of proteins for living beings? Proteins play an essential role in nearly all biological processes. Due to their variety they can suppose many divers

Explain the executive functions - psychological tests, Explain the Executiv...

Explain the Executive Functions - Psychological tests Executive functions are those involved in the planning, organisation, regulation and monitoring of goal directed behaviour

Define metabolic activity and cell constituents, Define Metabolic Activity ...

Define Metabolic Activity and Cell Constituents? Metabolic activity like amount of acid produced or CO 2 produced is directly proportional to the number of bacteria present, s

Systems of human body, Systems of Human Body Many organs work in a coo...

Systems of Human Body Many organs work in a coordinated'manner to form a system. For example in our-body the nose, the trachea and the lungs form the respiratory system. Table

Microorganisms, discuss the importance of protozoa to humans

discuss the importance of protozoa to humans

Primary consideration in risk management decisions, Protection of  human...

Protection of  human  health should  be  the primary consideration  in risk  management  decisions. Decisions on acceptable levels of risk should be determined primarily by hum

Leaf, Which one of the following is an example of a tree having simple leaf...

Which one of the following is an example of a tree having simple leaf ? 1. Neem 2. Rose 3. Mimosa pudica 4, Peepal.

HIV VIRUS, what is the structure of hiv virus?

what is the structure of hiv virus?

What do you mean by pericardial effusion, Q. What do you mean by Pericardia...

Q. What do you mean by Pericardial effusion? Collection of fluid in the pericardial sac is known as Pericardial effusion. All cases of pericarditis can lead to pericardial effu

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd