Building Brains 1 Flashcards
Which direction would be described as ‘rostral’ in the brain and spinal cord? (2)
SPINAL CORD:
Upwards - towards the beak
BRAIN:
Forwards - towards the nose
Which direction would be described as ‘caudal’ in the brain and spinal cord? (2)
SPINAL CORD:
Downwards - towards the tail
BRAIN:
Backwards - towards occipital lobe
What direction would be described as ‘dorsal’ in the brain and spinal cord? (2)
SPINAL CORD:
Towards back
BRAIN:
Towards top
What direction would be described as ‘ventral’ in the brain and spinal cord? (2)
SPINAL CORD:
Towards the front
BRAIN:
Towards the bottom
Name the three meninges surrounding the brain. (3)
- Dura mater
- Arachnoid mater
- Pia mater
Name the three dural folds/reflections. (3)
- Falx cerebri
- Tentorium cerebelli
- Falx cerebelli
Name the two layers of the dura mater. (2)
- Endosteal layer
- Meningeal layer
Underneath which layers of the meninges are CSF and blood vessels contained? (1)
Arachnoid
What is the purpose of arachnoid granulations? (1)
Allow reabsorption of CSF from subarachnoid space to dural venous sinuses.
Name two fluids contained in dural venous sinuses. (2)
- Blood
- CSF
Which meningeal layer acts to protect the brain? (1)
Dura mater
Which meningeal layer follows the contours of the brain the closest? (1)
Pia mater
Which sulcus of the brain is the deepest? (1)
Precentral
Which sulcus runs on both the outside and the inside of the brain? (1)
Parieto-occipital sulcus
Name three brain sulci that only run on the inner surface of the brain. (3)
- Calcarine sulcus
- Cingulate sulcus
- Marginal sulcus
Give another name for the hindbrain. (1)
Rhombencephalon
Give the two divisions of the hindbrain, and the structures that they contain. (5)
Metencephalon:
- Pons
- Cerebellum
Myelencephalon:
- Medulla oblongata
Give another name for the midbrain. (1)
Mesencephalon
Give three structures that make up the midbrain. (3)
- Tectum (colliculi)
- Tegmentum
- Cerebral peduncles
Give another name for the forebrain. (1)
Prosencephalon
Give two divisions of the forebrain and the structures that they contain. (6)
Diencephalon:
- Thalamus
- Hypothalamus
Telencephalon:
- Basal ganglia
- Cortex
Where is the thalamus located in relation to the putamen and caudate nucleus? (1)
The thalamus is deeper
Which system are the superior colliculi involved in? (1)
Visual
Which system are the inferior colliculi involved in? (1)
Auditory
Which colliculi are involved in the unconscious turning of the head in response to a visual stimulus? (1)
Superior
Which colliculi are involved in the localisation of sound? (1)
Inferior
Which part of the midbrain is involved in the main descending movement pathway? (1)
Cerebral peduncles
Name the area of the midbrain which surrounds the cerebral aqueduct.
What brain function is this area involved in? (2)
Periaqueductal grey
Pain
Which neurotransmitter is released by the substantia nigra? (1)
Dopamine
Why does the substantia nigra appear dark? (1)
Melanin is a by product of dopamine
Complete the sentence:
The ________________________ is a structure in the midbrain which appears a certain colour, and is involved in the extrapyramidal motor system. (1)
Red nucleus
Moving through the ventricular system, why does each ventricle get smaller than the last? (1)
To maintain pressure and flow of CSF.
Name (in order) the structures that CSF flows through in the brain (the ventricular system). (5)
- Lateral ventricles
- Interventricular foramen
- Third ventricle
- Cerebral aqueduct
- Fourth ventricle
Name the cistern which lies in close proximity to the cerebellum, where CSF is held after it has left the ventricles. (1)
Cisterna magna
Give three roles of the CSF. (3)
- Assists in circulating substances
- Provides cushioning
- Absorbs shock
In relation to the meninges, where is the cisterna magna located? (1)
Subarachnoid space
Name the two arteries that feed into the circle of Willis. (2)
Internal carotid arteries
Vertebral arteries
Describe the territory of the anterior cerebral artery. (1)
Medial frontal lobes (and corpus callosum)
Which artery of the circle of Willis supplies the diencephalon? (1)
Posterior cerebral artery
Which part of the brain does the posterior inferior cerebellar artery supply? (1)
Posterior cerebellum
Which part of the brain does the anterior inferior cerebellar artery supply? (1)
Anterior cerebellum
Which part of the brain does the superior cerebellar artery supply? (1)
Bulk of the cerebellum
Describe the territory of the posterior cerebral artery. (1)
Medial occipital and inferior temporal lobes (and hippocampus)
Which branches of the circle of Willis make up the posterior circulation? (5)
- Inferior posterior cerebellar artery
- Basilar artery
- Inferior anterior cerebellar artery
- Superior cerebellar artery
- Posterior cerebral artery
Which branches of the circle of Willis make up the anterior circulation? (2)
- Anterior cerebral artery
- Middle cerebral artery
Describe the territory supplied by the middle cerebral arteries. (3)
Lateral temporal and parietal lobes, and posterior frontal lobe
Name the connection between endothelial cells in the blood vessels which stop unwanted molecules getting into the brain. (1)
Tight junctions
Name four things that make up the blood-brain barrier. (4)
- Endothelial cells
- Basement membrane
- Pericytes
- Astrocytic end feet
What are the roles of pericytes in the blood brain barrier? (3)
- Communicate with endothelial cells
- Contribute to debris removal
- Control blood flow in capillaries
What are the roles of astrocytes in the blood brain barrier? (2)
- Stabilization
- Contain aquaporins to allow water to enter the brain
Why is the cortex of the brain folded? (1)
To increase surface area
Is the cortex composed of white matter or grey matter? (1)
Grey matter
Name the two main neurones found in the cerebral cortex. (2)
- Pyramidal cells
- Granule cells
Are pyramidal cells or granule cells more abundant in the cortex? (1)
Pyramidal cells
Describe the relative sizes of pyramidal cells and granule cells in the cortex. (1)
Pyramidal cells are larger than granule cells.
Do pyramidal cells contain dendritic spines? (1)
Yes
Describe the granule cells found in the cerebellum (spines, neurotransmitter, excitatory or inhibitory). (3)
- Smooth (no spines)
- GABA
- Inhibitory
Describe the granule cells found in the cerebral cortex (spines, neurotransmitter, excitatory or inhibitory). (3)
- Spiny
- Glutamate
- Excitatory
Name three roles of astrocytes. (3)
- Maintain homeostasis (sequestering K and glutamate)
- End feet maintain BBB
- Repair and scarring
What is the role of microglia? (1)
Resident immune cells
Describe the shape/function of a microglial cell during rest vs when activated. (4)
REST:
- Fine processes
ACTIVATED:
- Ramified
- Amoeboid
- Mobile
Are microglia capable of phagocytosis? (1)
Yes
What is the role of oligodendrocytes? (1)
Myelin
The cerebral cortex is made up of how many layers? (1)
6
Name the six cortical layers, from superficial to deep. (6)
- Molecular
- External granular
- External pyramidal
- Internal granular
- Internal pyramidal
- Multiform
Which cortical layer contains very few cells? (1)
Molecular (I)
Describe the cells making up the external granular (II) layer of the cortex. (2)
- Small pyramidal cells
- Granular cells
Describe the cells that make up the external pyramidal (III) layer of the cortex. (2)
- Small and medium pyramidal cells
- Granular cells
Describe the cells contained in the internal granular (IV) layer of the cortex. (2)
- Mostly stellate neurones
- Some pyramidal cells
Describe the cells in the internal pyramidal (V) layer of the cortex. (2)
- Large pyramidal cells
- Projection neurones
Describe the cells making up the multiform (VI) layer of cortex. (1)
Small, spindle-like pyramidal neurones.
Which two layers of the cerebral cortex are most densely packed with cells? (2)
IV and V
Which area is contained in the postcentral gyrus? (1)
Primary somatosensory area
Which area is contained in the precentral gyrus? (1)
Primary motor area
Which area is contained in the superior parietal lobe and supramarginal gyrus? (1)
Somatosensory association areas
Which area is contained in the middle frontal gyrus? (1)
Premotor area
Which areas are contained in the superior temporal gyrus? (2)
Wernicke’s area and primary auditory area
Which area is contained in the inferior frontal gyrus? (1)
Broca’s area
What is the function of cortical layer IV? (1)
Receives sensory information
What is the function of cortical layers V and VI? (1)
Output to other parts of the brain
Compare cortical layer IV in the motor and sensory cortices. (1)
Much larger in sensory cortex
Compare cortical layers V and VI in the motor and sensory cortices. (1)
Much larger in motor cortex.
What is the function of cortical layers I, II, and III? (1)
Integrative functions
What is the role of the premotor area in movement? (1)
Organising movement
What is the role of the prefrontal area in movement? (1)
Planning movement
Describe Broca’s aphasia. (1)
Failure to formulate speech
Describe Wernicke’s aphasia. (1)
Failure to comprehend speech
If a patient has an aphasia but is unaware that there is a problem, which aphasia are they most likely to have? (1)
Wernicke’s
If a patient has an aphasia and is aware that there is a problem, which aphasia are they most likely to have? (1)
Broca’s
State the starting and ending points for the corticospinal tract. (2)
START - Primary motor cortex
END - Spinal cord
Describe the extent of the exchange of information which is carried out by white matter association fibres. (1)
Information exchange within one hemisphere
Describe the extent of the exchange of information which is carried out by white matter commissural fibres. (1)
Information exchange between hemispheres
Describe the extent of the exchange of information which is carried out by white matter projection fibres. (1)
Information exchange between cortex and other regions of the brain and spinal cord
Name four commissural fibres found within the brain. (4)
- Corpus callosum
- Fornix
- Anterior commissure
- Posterior commissure
In which part of the brain is the posterior commissure located? (1)
a) thalamus
b) midbrain
c) pons
Midbrain
What two structures are connected by the anterior commissure? (1)
Amygdalas
What does the posterior commissure connect? (1)
Bilateral midbrain nuclei
Describe the route that upper motor neurones take from the primary motor cortex to the spinal cord. (6)
- Primary motor cortex (layer V)
- Internal capsule (via corona radiata)
- Cerebral peduncles
- Pons
- Medullary pyramids
- Spinal cord
The internal capsule runs in between which two structures of the basal ganglia? (2)
- Caudate nucleus
- Putamen
True or false:
The corticospinal tract, which is a projection fibre, is formed of upper and lower motor neurones.
(1)
False - only upper motor neurones
In which layer of the primary motor cortex do the pyramidal tracts originate? (1)
Layer V
Name the two individual tracts which together make up the corticospinal tract. (2)
Hint:
Cortico……….. tract and cortico…………… tract
- Corticospinal tract
- Corticobulbar tract
Where does the corticobulbar tract terminate and what does it innervate? (2)
- Terminates in brain stem
- Innervates head, neck, and face
Does the corticobulbar tract innervate structures:
a) ipsilateral
b) contralateral
c) bilateral
Are there any exceptions?
(2)
Mostly bilateral, except CNVII and CNXII which are contralateral
Where does the corticospinal tract terminate? (1)
Spinal cord
Give the names and percentage contributions to the two divisions of the corticospinal tract. (2)
- Lateral (80%)
- Ventral (20%)
Where does the lateral corticospinal tract decussate? (1)
Medulla
Where does the ventral spinal tract decussate? (1)
It doesn’t cross over (according to the lectures) however it crosses just before it synapses in the spinal cord.
Which muscles does the lateral corticospinal tract innervate? (1)
Limb and digit muscles
Which muscles does the ventral corticospinal tract innervate? (1)
Trunk muscles
Where in the grey matter are neurones which innervate distal muscles located? (1)
Laterally
Where in the grey matter are neurones which innervate proximal muscles located? (1)
Medially
Where in the grey matter are neurones which innervate flexor muscles located? (1)
Dorsally
Where in the grey matter are neurones which innervate extensor muscles located? (1)
Ventrally
Give six symptoms of upper motor neurone lesions. (6)
- Muscle weakness
- Stiffness
- Hypertonia
- Exaggerated reflexes
- Spasticity
- Upgoing babinski
Give four symptoms of a lower motor neurone lesion. (4)
- Muscle weakness
- Hypotonia
- Inhibited reflexes
- Fasciculations
Give four types of motor neurone disease. (4)
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
- Primary lateral sclerosis
- Pseudobulbar palsy
- Progressive muscular atrophy
Which motor neurones (upper/lower) are affected in ALS? (1)
Upper and lower
Which motor neurones (upper/lower) are affected in primary lateral sclerosis? (1)
upper (corticospinal tract)
Which motor neurones (upper/lower) are affected in pseudobulbar palsy? (1)
Upper (corticobulbar tract)
Which motor neurones (upper/lower) are affected in progressive muscular atrophy? (1)
Lower
Do the pyramidal tracts produce voluntary, involuntary movements, or both? (1)
Voluntary
Which motor neurones (upper/lower) are affected in multiple sclerosis? (1)
Can affect either
Give three inputs to the basal ganglia (and name their pathways). (6)
- Cerebral cortex (corticostriate)
- Thalamus (thalamostriate)
- Brainstem (nigrostriate)
Give three outputs of the basal ganglia. (3)
- Thalamus
- Cortex (via thalamus)
- Brainstem
Give two functions of the basal ganglia. (2)
- Facilitate context appropriate voluntary behaviour and movement
- Inhibit inappropriate involuntary movement
Which nucleus of the thalamus is involved in basal ganglia circuits? (1)
Ventral lateral nucleus
Which structures make up the lentiform nucleus of the basal ganglia? (2)
- Putamen
- Globus pallidus
Which structures make up the corpus striatum of the basal ganglia? (3)
- Caudate nucleus
- Putamen
- globus pallidus
Which structures make up the neostriatum of the basal ganglia? (2)
- Caudate nucleus
- Putamen
Which structures make up the paleostriatum of the basal ganglia? (2)
Both parts of the globus pallidus
Which structures make up the basal ganglia? (6)
- Caudate nucleus
- Putamen
- Globus pallidus
- Thalamus
- Subthalamic nucleus
- Substantia nigra
Name the two parts of the substantia nigra.
Which part sends out signals and which part receives signals? (4)
Pars compacta - sends signals
Pars reticulata - receives signals
Describe the morphology of the neurones found in the striatum of the basal ganglia. (2)
Medium
Spiny
Neurones
Describe the output and neurotransmitter of the striatum. (4)
Inhibitory (GABA) to globus pallidus and substantia nigra pars reticulata
Describe the inputs to the striatum (including inhibitory/excitatory, neurotransmitter, and location). (9)
Substantia nigra pars compacta
Dopamine
Can be excitatory or inhibitory
Thalamus
Glutamate
Excitatory
Cerebral cortex
Glutamate
Excitatory
Which structure is the major input to the basal ganglia? (1)
Striatum
Which structure is the major output of the basal ganglia? (1)
Globus pallidus internal
Describe the main neurotransmitter input and output to the globus pallidus internal. (2)
INPUT - GABA
OUTPUT - GABA
Describe the main neurotransmitter input and output to the globus pallidus external. (2)
INPUT - GABA
OUTPUT - GABA
Which pathway of the basal ganglia is the GPi mainly involved in? (1)
Direct
Which pathway of the basal ganglia is the GPe mainly involved in? (1)
Indirect
Give two neurotransmitters which form part of the communication between the striatum and the GPi. (2)
Substance P
Dynorphin
Give a neurotransmitter which forms part of the communication between the striatum and the GPe. (1)
Enkephalin
Describe the role and neurotransmitter associated with the substantia nigra pars compacta. (2)
Dopaminergic output
to striatum
Describe three inputs into the substantia nigra pars reticulata (location and NT). (6)
- Substantia nigra pars compacta (dopamine)
- Subthalamic nucleus (glutamate)
- Striatum (GABA)
Describe the output of the substantia nigra pars reticulata. (2)
GABAergic to thalamus
What is the role of the direct pathway of the basal ganglia? (1)
Initiate movement
Describe (structures and outputs) of the direct pathway of the basal ganglia. (7)
Striatum - GPi/SNr - Thalamus + Cortex (and striatum)
Describe (structures and outputs) of the indirect pathway of the basal ganglia. (11)
Striatum - GPe - STN + GPi/SNr - Thalamus + Cortex (and striatum)
What is the role of the indirect pathway of the basal ganglia? (1)
Inhibits movement
Describe the role of dopamine in the basal ganglia. (1)
ALWAYS facilitates movement
What happens when dopamine from the SNc binds to D1 receptors in the striatum? (1)
Activates the direct pathway and facilitates movement.
What happens when dopamine from the SNc bind to D2 receptors in the striatum? (1)
Inhibits the indirect pathway to facilitate movement.
Give a sentence describing the pathophysiology of Parkinson’s disease. (1)
Death of cells in the substantia nigra pars compacta.
How does Parkinson’s disease causes its symptoms? (4)
Less dopamine to bind D1 and D2 in striatum.
Less activation of direct pathway.
Less inhibition of indirect pathway.
Less movement.
Give a sentence to describe the basic pathophysiology seen in Huntington’s disease. (1)
Loss of neurones in the striatum.
Give the three stages of progression of Huntington’s disease. (3)
- Psychological and cognitive disturbances
- More movement (chorea)
- Less movement in end stages
What pathophysiology causes more movement and chorea in Huntington’s disease? (2)
Loss of D2 medium spiny neurones in striatum.
Loss of the indirect pathway which inhibits movement.
What pathophysiology causes loss of movement in the end stages of Huntington’s disease? (2)
Loss of D1 medium spiny neurones in striatum.
Loss of direct pathway which usually causes movement.
How is the body mapped in the primary motor and sensory cortices? (1)
a) Upside down with the feet near the top of the brain
b) Right way up with the head near the top of the brain
a) Upside down with the feet near the top of the brain