CNS Part 1 And 2 Flashcards
What does the CNS contain?
The brain and spinal cord
It is responsible for generating thoughts and emotions, memories are formed and stored, and connects the body via cranial and spinal nerves to stimulate muscle contraction and gland secretion.
How many neurons does the adult brain have?
100 billion neurons
The brain weighs about 3 pounds and is somewhat shaped like a mushroom.
How many main parts can the brain be divided into?
4 main parts
Cerebrum, cerebellum, diencephalon, and brain stem.
What are neurons?
The fundamental units of the nervous system
Involved with the movement of Na, Ca, K ions across cell membranes. Neurons are responsible for impulses in the body, including motor neurons that tell muscles to move and sensory neurons that allow you to feel sensations.
Nerve impulses speed
Nerve impulses can travel from 1-280 mph
Means that your brains can work @ 280 mph
Cerebrum
Cerebrum is the bulk of the brain
This is your memory, intelligence, ability to read, write, speak and do calculations
Cerebral cortex
The surface is composed of gray matter
The gray matter is called cerebral cortex. The cerebral cortex contains your neurons
White matter
Beneath the cerebral cortex lies white matter
White matter contains nerve tracts
Cerebrum structure
The cerebrum is made up of 2 hemispheres and 4 lobes
The 2 hemispheres are connected by the corpus callosum. The 4 lobes are: Frontal, Temporal, Parietal, Occipital
Frontal lobe
Higher mental activities: Planning, judgment, personality and speech
Temporal lobe
Hearing languages, memory, and learning
Parietal lobe
Sensory function
Occipital lobe
Vision
What is the cerebellum shaped like?
The cerebellum is shaped like a butterfly
Example: The cerebellum is often described as resembling a butterfly in shape.
What does the cerebellum control?
The cerebellum controls the movement of skeletal muscles
Alcohol affects your cerebellum.
What does the cerebellum help with?
The cerebellum helps with your sense of equilibrium, coordination, and balance
The anatomy of the cerebellum is similar to the cerebrum.
Where is the cerebellum located?
The cerebellum is located in the inferior and posterior portion of the brain
Gray matter is on the outside (outer) and underneath white matter.
What does the diencephalon contain?
The diencephalon contains the thalamus and hypothalamus
Thalamus - majority of the diencephalon
What is the thalamus responsible for?
The thalamus relays sensory impulses to other parts of the brain and is responsible for the sensation of pain and temperatures
Consists mainly of gray matter.
What functions does the hypothalamus control?
The hypothalamus controls autonomic functions such as body temperature, water balance, pituitary function, hunger, and emotions
Picks up impulses such as sound, taste, and smell.
What are the components of the brain stem?
The brain stem consists of the medulla, pons, and midbrain.
Example sentence: The brain stem is responsible for controlling many basic life functions.
What is the function of the medulla?
The medulla contains tracts that connect the spinal cord to the brain, and is involved in motor function, cardiovascular control, and respiratory regulation.
Example sentence: Damage to the medulla can result in serious breathing problems.
What is the function of the pons?
The pons contains tracts that connect the spinal cord to the brain and other parts of the brain, and helps the medulla with respiration.
Example sentence: The pons plays a crucial role in coordinating breathing patterns.
What is the function of the midbrain?
The midbrain has tracts that connect the upper and lower parts of the brain, and contains reflex centers for the eyes, head, and neck to respond to visual and other stimuli.
Example sentence: The midbrain is important for processing visual information and coordinating reflex movements.
How many stacked bony vertebrae are in the vertebral column?
The vertebral column contains 25 stacked bony vertebrae.
Example sentence: The vertebral column provides structural support and protection for the spinal cord.
How many cervical nerves are in each vertebra?
Each vertebra has 8 cervical nerves.
Example sentence: The cervical nerves control movement and sensation in the neck and upper limbs.
How many thoracic nerves are in each vertebra?
Each vertebra has 12 thoracic nerves.
Example sentence: The thoracic nerves innervate the chest and abdominal regions.
How many lumbar nerves are in each vertebra?
Each vertebra has 5 lumbar nerves.
Example sentence: The lumbar nerves control movement and sensation in the lower back and legs.
What is the function of the sacrum?
The sacrum has 5 bones and 5 pairs of nerves.
Example sentence: The sacrum connects the spine to the pelvis and supports the weight of the upper body.
What is the function of the coccyx?
The coccyx has 1 bone and 1 pair of nerves.
Example sentence: The coccyx is commonly referred to as the tailbone and provides attachment for muscles and ligaments.
What structure runs in the middle of the vertebral column?
Spinal cord
The spinal cord runs in the middle of the vertebral column
Where does the spinal cord extend to?
T-12
It extends to T-12
Where is a spinal tap usually performed?
Between L-2 and L-3
A spinal tap will be performed between L-2 and L-3 usually to make sure you don’t nick the spinal cord
What is the spinal cord the main highway for?
Nerve impulse conduction
It’s the main highway for nerve impulse conduction
What does the ventricular system consist of?
Cavities within the brain that produce cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF)
The ventricular system consist of cavities within the brain that produce cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF)
What are the cavities within the brain that produce CSF called?
Ventricles
The cavities are called ventricles
How many ventricles are there within the brain?
4 ventricles
There are 4 ventricles within the brain
What secretes CSF in each ventricle?
Choroid Plexus
The choroid Plexus of each ventricle secretes CSF
What is CSF?
CSF is a clear colorless fluid.
CSF circulates through sub-arachnoid spaces around the brain.
What are the functions of CSF in the brain?
CSF protects the brain from shock, delivers nutritive substances (like gloucose proteins), and removes waste (lactic acid + urea)
What is the normal ventricular system volume of CSF?
The whole system contains between 80 - 150 ml of CSF. It’s produced at a rate of 20ml/hr.
How is CSF pressure measured?
CSF in the ventricular system produces a pressure of 50-180 mm H2o. Similar to blood pressure but remains fairly constant.
How is CSF reabsorbed back into the body?
Reabsorption takes place in the Arachnoid Villi. CSF should be reabsorbed at the same rate it is produced.
What is a Lumbar puncture (Spinal Tap)?
Method used to insert a needle into the spinal cavity. Pressure of CSF can be determined and a sample can be taken.
What is the composition of the brain in terms of body weight?
The brain composes of 2% of body weight
However it consumes 20% of oxygen in the body at rest (brain needs a lot of oxygen)
What is the majority of blood vessels that enter the brain?
The majority of blood vessels that enter the brain form the cerebral arterial circle. (Circle of Willis)
What does the brain use as its main nutrient for energy?
The brain uses glucose as its main nutrient for energy
What determines the amount of oxygen and glucose needed by the brain?
The degree of mental activity determines the amount of oxygen and glucose
What does the Blood Brain Barrier (BBB) act like?
The BBB acts like a filter to keep certain substances out of the brain
What does the BBB do to protect brain cells?
Functions to protect the brain cells from harmful substances and pathogens
What is one difficulty associated with the BBB?
However, it makes it difficult for medicines to enter the brain
It’s hard to treat brain disorders
What is the composition of the brain in terms of body weight?
The brain composes of 2% of body weight
However it consumes 20% of oxygen in the body at rest (brain needs a lot of oxygen)
What is the majority of blood vessels that enter the brain?
The majority of blood vessels that enter the brain form the cerebral arterial circle. (Circle of Willis)
What does the brain use as its main nutrient for energy?
The brain uses glucose as its main nutrient for energy
What determines the amount of oxygen and glucose needed by the brain?
The degree of mental activity determines the amount of oxygen and glucose
What does the Blood Brain Barrier (BBB) act like?
The BBB acts like a filter to keep certain substances out of the brain
What does the BBB do to protect brain cells?
Functions to protect the brain cells from harmful substances and pathogens
What is one difficulty associated with the BBB?
However, it makes it difficult for medicines to enter the brain
It’s hard to treat brain disorders
What happens if the blood brain barrier becomes injured?
It can be altered or broken down.
Substances that normally do not pass, can breach the barrier. Toxins may enter the brain. This could be due to trauma, inflammation, or toxins.
What are some studies being done related to the blood brain barrier?
Studies are being done to breach the barrier to allow certain drugs to enter the brain. This can help in the treatment of the brain.
No example sentence provided.
What is a Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA)?
It is a stroke when there is a compromised blood supply to the brain for ≥ 24 hrs.
No example sentence provided.
What are the two principle types of CVA’s?
Ischemia - decreased blood supply (due to blockage).
Hemorrhage - rupture of blood vessel.
No example sentence provided.
What are some symptoms of CVA?
Dizzy, weak, numb, paralysis, drooping of side of the face, headache or slurred speech.
No example sentence provided.
What are some causes of CVA?
Intracerebral hemorrhage, emboli, atherosclerosis, compression of a tumor on a blood vessel.
No example sentence provided.
What are some risk factors for CVA?
High BP, high cholesterol, TIA, diabetes, smoking, obesity, alcohol, family history, or age.
No example sentence provided.
What can PET + SPECT determine at the onset of a stroke?
Perfusion defects
Show blood flow and metabolic abnormalities
What do CT + MRI show in relation to strokes?
Anatomic lesions
There has to be anatomic changes to show a CVA
What is a possible treatment for a stroke?
Medications that dissolve blood clots or prevent new ones from forming
A surgery to remove blood clots, prevent bicecling or, in some cases, to re-open the blocked arteries
Endarterectomy - surgery done to remove a clot or plaque
A rehabilitation program at a social facility or in the patient’s home to help recovery