CNS Exam 1 Flashcards
What are the 5 steps of Embryological development?
- Neurulation: Formation of the neural crest and neural tube
- Cell Proliferation: within neural tube
- Migration and Aggregation: of cells within definitive locations
- Formation of axonal and dendritic processes
- Synatopgenesis: connections between nerve cell to nerve cells or muscle
In Stage 1 of Embryological Development- Neurulation, describe what is happening in Day 14?
In day 14 the embryo begins in a process of gastrulation that is forming the 3 cellular layers, building blocks. The embryo, called a gastrula, is made up of 3 layers of cells:
- Ectoderm
- Mesoderm
- Endoderm
The entire nervous system is derived from embryonic Ectoderm
In Stage 1 of Embryological Development- Neurulation, describe what is happening in Day 21?
When the embryo is around 21 days old, it measures less than 4 millimeters. It begins with the presence of a mesodermal structure called the notochord. The notochord induces the overlying dorsomedial ectoderm to differentiate into neuroectoderm.
- Neuroectoderm is thicker than general ectoderm and is called the Neural Plate. The margins of the Neural plate (Neural fold) elevate and create a depression between them called the neural groove.
In Stage 1 of Embryological Development- Neurulation, describe what is happening in Day 28?
How long does it take for the neural tube to form?
What happens as the neural groove closes?
When the edges of the neural groove fuse, the structure is called the neural tube. The neural tube develops into the entire CNS with is cavity becoming the Ventricular system
- At the time of fusion of the neural tube, a differentiation of cells occurs at the lateral edge of each fold called the neural crest, these then develop into most of the peripheral nervous system
- Closure of the neural groove begins in the future thoracic region then it moves caudally and later cranially. It takes around one week for the neural tube to form.
- As it closes, it separates from the overlying ectoderm. The ends remain open for about 2 weeks and are called the anterior and posterior neuropores.
What are the Embryologic names for Forebrain, Midbrain, and Forebrain?
Prosencephalon (Forebrain)
Mesencephalon (Midbrain)
Rhombencephalon (Hindbrain)
What are the 2 subdivisions of Prosencephalon?
- Telencephalon
- Diencephalon
The Telencephalon is a subdivision of the Prosencephalon. What are the parts (Derivates) of the Telencephalon?
- Cerebral Hemispheres
- Cerebral Cortex
- Subcortical White Matter
- Basal Ganglion
- Basal Forebrain Nuclei
The Diencephalon is a subdivision of the Prosencephalon. What are the parts (Derivates) of the Diencephalon?
- Thalamus
- Hypothalamus
- Epithalamus
What are the Parts of the Mesencephalon (midbrain)?
In the future this connects the forebrain to the hindbrain
- Cerebral Peduncles
- Midbrain Tectum
- Midbrain Tegmentum
The Metencephalon is a subdivision of the Rhombencephalon. What are the parts (Derivates) of the Metencephalon?
- Pons
- Cerebellum
The Myelencephalon is a subdivision of the Rhombencephalon. What are the parts (Derivates) of the Myelencephalon?
- Medulla
During the First stage of Neurulation, there is a imbalance between the rate of the embryo expansion (growing) and the available space, this results in what?
This results in the development of Flexures of the brain
What are the 2 Primary Flexures of the Brain?
What is the third flexure?
The Two Primary Flexures are:
- Cephalic Flexure, which marks the division between the brain and the brainstem
- Cervical Flexure, which is the junction of the Spinal Cord to the Brain
The 3rd Flexure is:
- The Pontine Flexure, which is found on the dorsum and is the future site of the cerebellum
The fluid-filled cavities within the neural tube develop in to what? What do they contain?
Develops into the Brain Ventricles, which contain Cerebrospinal Fluid
The second stage of Embryological development is Cell Proliferation. When does this start stage start?
What are the dorsal/ventral portions called and what do they do in the future?
This stage starts when the neural tube starts with the appearance of the Sulcus Limitans, a bilateral furrow along the inner surface of the neural tube which divides the tube into Ventral and Dorsal portions.
- The dorsal portion is called the Alar Plate, the future binding site of sensory neurons and tracts
- The ventral portions is called the basal plate, the future site primarily for motor system development
In the second stage of Embryologic development (Cell Proliferation) following the closer of the neural tube, postmitotic cells are pushed externally and are divided into 3 layers. What are the 3 layers and what do they later become?
- Germinal (Ependymal) Layer: This is the inner layer, this then becomes the lining of the central canal and ventricles- these cells develop cilia that help move Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF)
- Mantle Layer: This becomes the GREY MATTER of the spinal cord due to the cell bodies there-The Sulcus Limitans appears, above is the Alar Plate (sensory) and below is the Basilar Plate (motor)
- Marginal Layer: The outermost layer that contains most of the processes from the cell bodies of the mantle- It becomes the WHITE MATTER
In the second stage of Embryologic development (Cell Proliferation), how does the brain increase in size? (5)
- Growth in dendrites
- Growth in axons
- Vascularization
- Myelination
- Development of synapses
In the third stage of Embryologic Development (Migration), there are 2 types of migration. What are they?
- Radial Migration
- Tangential Migration
In the third stage of Embryologic Development, where does the Radial Migration occur? What does active migration require?
This occurs from the Spinal cord through the Telencephalon. Active Migration requires Radial Glia Cells; transient elongated cells that serve as a template for neuroblast migration.
In the third stage of Embryologic Development, where does the Tangential Migration occur? How do the Glial cells run?
This occurs mostly in structures within the brainstem (Inferior to the olivary nucleus) and occurs late in the migration process. The glial cells run oblique or parallel to the neural tube and the neuroblast may use existing axons in addition to the glial cells to reach its destination. They pass from one to another tangentially.
What are some defects in the 3rd stage of embryological development?
- Dyslexia
- Lissencephaly (“Smooth brain” results in motor and mental retardation)
- Microencephaly (Small brain results in mental retardation)
- Macrogyria (Some folding but not normal have less gyri)
In stage 4 of Embryological development (Cell Differentiation), what happens?
- There is the formation of axonal and dendritic processes
- Development of cranial nerves
In the 5th stage of Embryological development (Synaptogenesis), what happens?
Development and change of synapses occurs throughout life
- Synaptogenesis is strongly correlated with changes in the patterns of transfer of information within the nervous system therefore it is correlated with all known types of permanent learning.
- The process involved in growth of neural processes and synaptogenesis are the bases for neural plasticity
Which parts of our brain controls our basic functions necessary for survival: respiration, BP, and HR?
Brainstem: Midbrain, Pons, Medulla
(Also the most evolutionary ancient parts of the brain)
How is Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF) formed?
Its formed by vascular tufts lying within the ventricles called Choroid Plexus
How does the CSF circulate? Where does it leave?
- CSF circulates from the lateral ventricles to the third ventricle, and then leaves the ventricular system via foramina in the fourth ventricle to percolate around the outside surface of the brain and spinal cord.
In the brain, what are the Meninges?
MNEMONIC - PAD
From inside - out:
- Pia Mater
- Arachnoid Mater
- Dura Mater
In the brain there is a Dura Mater structure called the Falx Cerebri, where is it and what does it do?
- This structure dips in-between the cerebral hemispheres between the longitudinal fissure
- This is a very tough and very thick layer for the purpose of keeping the our brain from moving around in the skull
What are the differences in terms of Orientation of the Brain (Midbrain) and Spinal Cord?
Above the Midbrain:
- Anterior = Rostral
- Posterior = Caudal
- Superior = Dorsal
- Inferior = Ventral
Below the Midbrain (like Spinal cord)
- Anterior = Ventral
- Posterior = Dorsal
- Superior = Rostral
- Inferior = Caudal
In terms of Orientation, where is the Thalamus compared to the Frontal Lobe?
The Thalamus is Caudal to the Frontal Lobe
In terms of Orientation, where is the Cerebellum compared to the Pons?
The Cerebellum is Dorsal to the Pons
In terms of Orientation, where is the Anterior horn of the SC compared to the Posterior horn of SC?
The Anterior horn of SC is Ventral to Posterior horn of SC
In neurons, what do Dendrites and Axons do? What are Glia Cells?
Dendrites are the processes that receive information into the cell
Axons are acting to carry information away
- Everything outside of the neuron or nerve-cell is considered glial cells (Support cells)
What is a Multipolar Neuron?
Having several dendrites and axons
Typical in most mammalian neurons
What is a Bipolar Neuron?
Those with single dendrite and axon
We see them in our sensory systems, vision and olfaction
What is a Unipolar Neurons?
When both axon and dendrite form a single process coming off a cell body
Seen in invertebrates
What is a synapses?
Typical communication between the neurons, from an axon terminal of one neuron to the dendrite of the next neuron
What are Chemical Synapses? Where are they stored?
Where are they released and binded?
They are the transmission of neurotransmitters, they are typically stored in the synaptic vesicles.
- They are released from the pre-synaptic terminal of the neuron -> then they bind to the neurotransmitter receptor on the post-synaptic neuron, giving rise to either excitation or inhibition of the post-synaptic neuron.
Why are Myelin Sheath important?
Myeline sheath covers axons allowing for speed of transmission of action potential
What is the name of the myelin forming glial cells in the Central Nervous System?
Oligodendrocytes
What is the name of the myelin forming glial cells in the Peripheral Nervous System?
Schwann
In the CNS, what is Glutamate?
Its an excitatory neurotransmitter
In the CNS, what is GABA?
Its an inhibitory neurotransmitter
What are the neurotransmitters used in the PNS?
Acetylcholine
What are the neurotransmitters in the ANS?
Acetylcholine
Norepinephrine
Areas in the CNS mainly made up of Myelinated axons are called what?
White matter
Areas in the CNS mainly made up of cell bodies are called what?
Gray matter
Where do most local synaptic communication occur in the CNS? What about signals over lager distances?
Gray Matter = local synaptic communication
White matter = signals over larger distances
In terms of White and Gray Matter, what is the difference between their location in the brain, Spinal Cord, and brainstem?
- In the Cerebral Hemisphere, Gray matter is in the outside, white matter in in the inside
- In the Spine, white matter is on the outside, gray matter is on the inside
- In the brainstem, gray matter and white matter regions are found both on the inside and outside, although most of the outside is white matter.
Within the CNS, what are the structures of white matter? what do they do?
- Tracts: white matter communication
- Fascicles: Like a white matter freeway (where info comes or goes)
- Lemniscus: Same as the fascicles
- Bundle: Multiple white matter tracts
- Commissure: white matter pathway that connects structures on the left and right sides of our brain
Within the PNS, what are the structure of white matter?
Peripheral Nerves
Within the PNS, what are the structures of Gray Matter?
Ganglia (cluster of cell bodies)
How many pairs of Cranial nerves are there?
12 pairs
How many pairs of Spinal nerves are there? Where do they arise?
31 pairs
- Arise from spinal cord segments and give rise to both sensory and motor nerve roots on each side of the body.
(Motor=Efferent) ; (Sensory=Afferent)
Where does the Spinal Cord end? What is below the spinal canal?
The spinal cord ends at L1 or L2.
- Below the spinal canal contains a collection of nerve roots known as Cauda Equina (latin for horses tail), which continues down their exit points
What is the Cervical Enlargement?
- The brachial plexus, which is from C5-T1
What is the Lumbosacral Enlargement?
- The lumbosacral plexus, which is from L1-S4
Based on function, in the Cervical enlargement and the Lumbosacral enlargement, would there be more gray or white matter? Why?
There is more Gray Matter in these segments causing the overall thickness of the cord to be greater. There is a greater amount of cell synapses also.
In the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS), what are the two major divisions? For each division what are the final neurotransmitters?
Sympathetic = “Fight or Flight”; Also known as the Thoracolumbar Branch of the ANS
(Involved with pupil and bronchial dilation, cardiac acceleration, etc.)
- Norepinephrine
Parasympathetic = “Rest and Digest”; Also known as Cranial Sacral Division of the ANS
- Acetylcholine
What are the definitions of Sulci, fissure, and Gyri?
- Sulci are the crevices or infoldings
- Fissure are deep sulci
- Gyri are bumps and ridges between the sulci
What are the 4 major lobes of the brain? What Fissure separates them?
- Frontal: Extends back to the Central Sulcus
- Temporal: Separated from the Frontal lobe by Sylvian/lateral fissure
- Parietal: Bounded anteriorly by Central Sulcus, (when viewed on medial aspect) Pareito-occipital sulcus separates the Parietal and Occipital lobe
- Occipital
The 4 lobes of the brain, what are they related to? Where does this structure lie?
- They are related to the Insular Cortex
This is the convergence of the frontal, parietal and temporal complex - This lies deep in the Sylvian Fissure and its considered an additional region to cortices (additional region of cerebral cortex)
In the Brain what are the Hemispheres separated by? What structure is within the Hemispheres?
Interhemispheric fissure (Sagittal or longitudinal)
- Within the hemispheres, there is a white matter structure called the Corpus Callosum (Hard Body)
What is the Primary Motor Cortex also known as? What does it control?
Also known as the Precentral Gyrus (Located in Frontal Lobe)
- Controls movement in the opposite side of body
What is the Primary Sensory Cortex also known as? What does it control?
Also known as Postcentral Gyrus (Located in Parietal Lobe)
- Controls sensation in opposite side of body
Where is the Primary Visual Cortex located?
The Occipital Lobe
What is the Primary Auditory Cortex also known as? Where is this located?
Transverse Gyri of Heschl
- Best described as 2 finger-like gyri that lies inside the Sylvian Fissure on the superior surface of the temporal lobe
What is Neocortex?
A 6 cell layer structure based on looking at a component of the gray matter cerebral cortex.
- This has been labeled in roman numerals
I-VI, continuing from the surface and moving in
What is the Name and the Main Connection for the first (I) layer of the Neocortex?
Name: Molecular Layer
Main Connection: Dendrites and Axons from other layers