End of period I

The first period has ended and thus the first part of the course. So far we have learned the basics of neuron structure and function. The ionic basis of membrane potential and the action potential. The synaptic transmission types and functions as well as the neurotransmitters systems. Regarding these subjects, I have found them quite interesting and useful for understanding better scientific articles on neuroscience subjects.
Then we have also concentrated on the structure of the nervous system. We had an exercise where we built our small brains with clay. I think this activity was useful to remember the basic parts of the brain and brain stem.

Other subjects we have studied are the taste system, the eye structure and function, and the central visual system. I found particularly interesting the receptive field of the bipolar and ganglion cells. This part of the book reminded me about the blue/white dress internet meme, “the dress“, that became viral in 2015.Some people see the dress as black and blue, and others as white and gold. I found out that neuroscientists have tried to explain the reason behind why people see it with different colors, but still is no consensus on the reason behind it. Even the Jornal of Vision had a special issue on “the dress”. In general, the visual system is fascinating and still conceals some mysteries of its function.

The Dress (viral phenomenon).png