Causes/Cell Damage/Death in the CNS

Question 1

Two main/ultimate causes of cell death

Answer 1

Lack of oxygen

Not enough energy/variations in blood sugar

Question 2

Causes of decreased oxygen supply/cell damage/cell death? (8)

Answer 2

In utero: congenital or genetic defect

Birth-related: complications during birth

Fractures/dislocations of supporting bones

Compression: edema, hematoma, tumour

Direct trauma/concussion/contusion

Autoimmune conditions

Vascular lesions: stroke

Infection: bacterial, viral, fungal

Poisons/toxins: impair cells ability to utilize oxygen

Question 3

Cellular resilience: Neurons

Answer 3

Very resiliant in non-fatal insults but cannot reproduce or replace the cells that die.

Cannot repair or replace fatally injured processes (axons, dendrites)

Question 4

Cellular resilience: Neuroglia

Answer 4

Are stable cells, thus are capable of reproduction to replace dead cells; can also increase or decrease in number in response to usage/need.

Question 5

Scar formation in the CNS

Answer 5

Does not use collagenous (2nd intention) repair.

Uses gliosis/astrocytosis: Astrocytes ‘bridge the gap’; intelligent scar.