Anatomy

Question 1

What are the primary components of the Sentra nervous system

Answer 1

Consists of the brain and spinal cord, responsible for interpreting sensory information and coordinating functions

Question 2

Describe the structural layers protecting the CNS

Answer 2

Dura mater: Tough outermost layer
Arachnoid mater: Web-like middle layer containing CSF
Pia mater: thin innermost layer closely adhering to the brain and spinal cord

Question 3

What is the functions of cerebrospinal fluid CSF

Answer 3

Provides mechanical protection by cushioning the brain and spinal cord
Maintains a stable chemical environment
Facilitates waste removal from CNS

Question 4

What are the major divisions of the brain?

Answer 4

Cerebrum: responsible for higher cognitive functions like memory, reasoning and voluntary motor control
Cerebellum : coordinates movement , balance and posture
Brainstem: includes the midbrain, pons (link brain and spinal cord) and medulla oblongata; regulates autonomic functions like breathing and heart rate.

Question 5

What is the role of the cerebral cortex

Answer 5

The cerebral cortex sensory input initiates motor output and is involved in complex cognitive functions
Frontal: Decision making, motor control and speech
Parietal: sensory processing and spatial orientation
Temporal: auditory processing and memory
Occipital: visual processing

Question 6

What structures make up the limbic system and what are its function

Answer 6

Structures: Hippocampus, amygdala, thalamus and hypothalamus
Functions: emotion regulation and memory formation and homeostatic control

Question 7

How is the spinal cord organised ?

Answer 7

Spinal cord is divided into segments corresponding to spinal nerves:
Cervical: controls upper limbs and neck.
Thoracic: innervates the trunk
Lumbar and sacral

Question 8

What is the functions of the dorsal and ventral roots of spinal nerves

Answer 8

Dorsal roots: carry sensory information to the spinal cord
Ventral roots: carry motor commands from spinal cord to muscles

Question 9

What is the cauda equina and what is its significance

Answer 9

The cauda equina is a bundle of spinal nerves and roots at the lumbar and sacral levels providing motor and sensory innervation to the lower body

Question 10

What arteries contribute to the circle of Willis

Answer 10

Internal carotid arteries- supply the anterior brain
Vertebral arteries: merge to form the basilar artery supplying the posterior brain
Circle of Willis: providing collateral blood flow

Question 11

Describe the blood brain barrier and its function

Answer 11

Protects the CNS from toxins and pathogens
Regulates the passage of substances between the blood and brain tissue
Formed by endothelial cells with tight junctions

Question 12

What are the ascending and descending pathways in the spinal cord?

Answer 12

Ascending pathways: transmit sensory information to the brain (Eg. Spinothalmic tract for pain and temperature)
Descending pathways: transmit motor commands from the brain to the muscles (Eg. Corticospinal tract for voluntary movement)

Question 13

How many cranial nerves are there and what is their general function

Answer 13

12 cranial nerves :
Sensory input (eg vision and smell) , motor control , and autonomic regulation (heart rate)
Olfactory I- smell
Optic-vision
Oculomotor- eye movement
Trochlear- eye movement
Trigeminal- facial sensation and chewing
Abducens - lateral eye movement
Facial- facial expression and taste
Vestibulocochlear- hearing and balance

Question 14

Which cranial nerve is responsible for facial sensation and mastication

Answer 14

Trigemial nerve ( cranial nerve V)

Question 15

What is the role of the vagus nerve ( cranial nerve X)

Answer 15

The vagus nerve:
Regulates parasympathetic control of the heart,lungs and digestive tract
Provides motor control for speech and swallowing
Transmits sensory information from internal organs

Question 16

Common signs of increased intracranial pressure?

Answer 16

Headache, nausea, vomiting, altered mental status and papilledmea (swelling of optic disc)

Question 17

Define hydrocephalus and how does it affect the central nervous system

Answer 17

Hydrocephalus is the accumulation of the CSF leading to increased intracranial pressure and potential brain damage

Question 18

How does a stroke in the middle cerebral artery manifest

Answer 18

Symptoms:
Contralateral motor and sensory deficits
Aphasia (if dominant hemisphere is affected
Neglect syndrome if non dominant hemisphere is affected

Question 19

What is the clinical relevance of dermatomes

Answer 19

Dermatomes represent areas of the skin innervated by specific spinal nerves aiding in diagnosing nerve or spinal cord injuries.

Question 20

Consequences of corticospinal tract damage

Answer 20

Contralateral weakness or paralysis, commonly observed in stroke patients