Ch 1 General Neuropathology

Question 1

What is the role of the cerebral cortex?

Answer 1

Conscious perception of sensory input, voluntary control of movement, behavior

Question 2

Name the components of the basal nuclei.

Answer 2

• Caudate nucleus
• Putamen
• Pallidum
• Claustrum

Question 3

What is the function of the septal nuclei?

Answer 3

Part of the limbic system, involved in emotion

Question 4

What is the internal capsule?

Answer 4

White matter tract connecting cerebrum to other brain regions

Question 5

What does the rostral commissure connect?

Answer 5

Hemispheres ventrally

Question 6

What is the thalamus’s primary function?

Answer 6

Major relay station for all sensory input before projecting to cortex

Question 7

What are the geniculate bodies associated with?

Answer 7

Visual and auditory functions

Question 8

What is the role of the habenula?

Answer 8

Involved in circadian rhythm, emotion, and social behavior/movement

Question 9

What does the hypothalamus regulate?

Answer 9

Endocrine and vegetative functions

Question 10

What is the significance of the optic tracts?

Answer 10

Flattened extensions of optic nerves terminating on lateral geniculate body

Question 11

What is the primary function of the cerebellar cortex?

Answer 11

Coordination of movement

Question 12

What structures are found in the brainstem?

Answer 12

• Cranial nerve nuclei
• Reticular formation
• Caudal cerebellar peduncle
• Pyramids

Question 13

What is the composition of the gray matter?

Answer 13

• Neurons
• Glial cells (Oligodendrocytes, Astrocytes, Microglia)

Question 14

What are oligodendrocytes?

Answer 14

Glial cells that myelinate axons in the CNS

Question 15

What is the blood-brain barrier (BBB)?

Answer 15

Densely vascularized gray matter with tight junctions between endothelial cells

Question 16

What is the role of astrocytes in the CNS?

Answer 16

Mediate metabolic exchange between blood and neurons

Question 17

What is central chromatolysis?

Answer 17

Degeneration characterized by dispersal of rough ER and swollen cytoplasm

Question 18

What does neuronal necrosis indicate?

Answer 18

Cell death with shrunken soma and hypereosinophilic appearance

Question 19

What are the types of astrocytes?

Answer 19

• Protoplasmic Type 1 (gray matter)
• Fibrous Type 2 (white matter)

Question 20

What are gemistocytic astrocytes?

Answer 20

Swollen astrocytes with eosinophilic cytoplasm, indicating acute injury

Question 21

What is the significance of microglial nodules?

Answer 21

Focal aggregates indicating viral encephalidities

Question 22

What does Wallerian degeneration refer to?

Answer 22

Degeneration of axons/dendrites independent of the soma following injury

Question 23

What is the role of the choroid plexus?

Answer 23

Produces cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

Question 24

What is the function of ependymal cells?

Answer 24

Line ventricles and central canal; assist in CSF movement

Question 25

What is the dura mater?

Answer 25

Dense fibroelastic layer adhering to the internal surface of the skull

Question 26

What are the histological characteristics of oligodendrocytes?

Answer 26

Small, round nuclei with dense cytoplasm, most numerous in white matter

Question 27

What are Rosenthal fibers?

Answer 27

Rare irregular eosinophilic structures formed in astrocytes, associated with Alexander disease

Question 28

What is the role of the spinal cord in relation to the brain?

Answer 28

Transmits motor and sensory information between the brain and body

Question 29

What does the term 'polioencephalomalacia' refer to?

Answer 29

A condition affecting the cerebral cortex

Question 30

What separates astrocytes from the basement membrane?

Answer 30

Astrocytes are separated from the basement membrane ## Footnote This separation is crucial for maintaining the blood-brain barrier.

Question 31

What is the glial limitans?

Answer 31

The glial limitans is impermeable ## Footnote It serves as a barrier that separates the brain tissue from the surrounding environment.

Question 32

What characterizes the arachnoid layer?

Answer 32

The arachnoid layer is cobweb-like ## Footnote It helps in the formation of the subarachnoid space.

Question 33

What is located in the subarachnoid space?

Answer 33

CSF flows and main blood supply to the brain ## Footnote Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) provides cushioning and nourishment to the brain.

Question 34

What is the dura mater?

Answer 34

The dura mater is a dense fibroelastic layer ## Footnote It typically remains adherent to the internal surface of the bone.

Question 35

What connects the dura mater to the spinal canal?

Answer 35

Denticulate ligament ## Footnote This structure helps to stabilize the spinal cord within the canal.

Question 36

What is polioencephalomalacia characterized by?

Answer 36

Cortical laminar necrosis with a laminar distribution pattern ## Footnote This condition often affects the cerebral cortex.

Question 37

Which neurons are more susceptible to hypoxia/anoxia?

Answer 37

Deep neurons are more susceptible ## Footnote This susceptibility can lead to significant neuronal damage.

Question 38

What is an effect of ischemia on neurons?

Answer 38

Ischemia more likely affects just neurons ## Footnote It can lead to cell death if not resolved quickly.

Question 39

What may affect astrocytes during anoxia?

Answer 39

Anoxia (cardiac arrest or seizures) may affect astrocytes ## Footnote Astrocytes play a critical role in maintaining homeostasis in the brain.

Question 40

What characterizes the molecular layer of the cerebellum?

Answer 40

The molecular layer is outer and has few cells ## Footnote It contains stellate and basket cells and mostly unmyelinated fibers.

Question 41

What is found in the Purkinje cell layer of the cerebellum?

Answer 41

Large neuronal cell bodies – Purkinje ## Footnote These cells have axons extending into the granular cell layer.

Question 42

What is the inner layer of the cerebellum called?

Answer 42

Granular cell layer ## Footnote It contains numerous smaller neurons and non-myelinated axons.

Question 43

What are the CA 1 and CA 2 regions of the hippocampus known for?

Answer 43

They contain small pyramidal neurons ## Footnote These areas are critical for memory processing.

Question 44

What is the dentate gyrus composed of?

Answer 44

Small granule cells ## Footnote This structure is similar to the granular cell layer of the cerebellum.

Question 45

Fill in the blank: The molecular layer of the hippocampus contains axons, dendrites, glial cells, and scattered _______.

Answer 45

neurons