CNS: Revision Flashcards
What are the neuroglia?
Non-neuronal and non excitable support cells
3 kinds of the macroglial cells?
Oligodendrocytes (wrap around axons and form myelin sheathes)
Astrocytes (metabolic buffers, detoxifiers, insulation, repair and scarring)
Empendymal cells (CSF production)
What are the microglia of the CNS?
Fixed macrophage system within the CNS
What is on outside of brain, grey or white matter?
Grey matter
Name the layers of the meninges
Dura mater Arachnoid mater Subarachnoid space Arachnoid mater Pia mater
Regulatory centres in the brainstem? (7)
Vomiting Swallowing Respiratory Urinary bladder control Pneumotaxic Cardiac acceleration Cardiac slowing
What produces CSF?
Choroid plexus of the lateral third and fourth ventricles
Where does CSF travel to
Exits ventricular system through the foramina of Luschka and Magendie, into the subarachnoid space.
From here, descends into spine or ascends to bath the brain
What drains the CSF?
Superior sagittal sinus
Normal volume of CSF?
120ml, changed 3-5 times a day
What is the most common form of acute hydrocephalus?
Obstructive hydrocephalus, where there is obstruction to flow of CSF
What may cause obstructive hydrocephalus? (4)
Previous meningitis
Tumours of the posterior fossa or the brainstem (blocks the fourth ventricle)
Tumours of the third ventricle eg colloid cysts, are a well known cause and can lead to sudden death
Congenital causes eg CHirari malformation
What is a Chiari malformation?
Defect in the posterior fossa or cerebellum causes blockage of CSF flow at the foramen magnum
What is hydrocephalus ex Vacuo?
A COMPENSATORY increase in CSF seen in certain dementia. There is ventricular enlargement due to loss of brain parenchyma.
Gross changes to the brain with hydrocephaly?
Dilation of the ventricles
Corresponding decrease in white matter