General Neuroanatomy Flashcards
What is the neural tube?
The embryonic precursor to the central nervous system.
The neural tube develops into the brain and spinal cord.
What are the three primary brain vesicles?
- Prosencephalon
- Mesencephalon
- Rhombencephalon
These vesicles differentiate into various parts of the brain.
What does the blood-brain barrier (BBB) consist of?
Tight junctions between capillary endothelium cells.
The BBB protects the brain from harmful substances.
Name two areas devoid of a blood-brain barrier.
- Area Postrema
- Median Eminence
These areas can sense changes in the blood and regulate bodily functions.
What is the aqueduct of Sylvius?
The cavity of the mesencephalon that connects the third and fourth ventricles.
It plays a role in the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
What structures are associated with the diencephalon?
- Thalamus
- Hypothalamus
- Optic Stalk
The diencephalon is a key regulatory center for sensory and autonomic functions.
What is the role of astrocytes?
Support and maintain neuronal function, contribute to the blood-brain barrier.
Astrocytes are a type of glial cell in the CNS.
Which parts are included in the metencephalon?
- Pons
- Cerebellum
These structures are involved in motor control and coordination.
What is the function of arachnoid villi?
Help to dissolve components of CSF into dural venous sinuses.
They facilitate the absorption of CSF into the bloodstream.
Fill in the blank: The _______ is a structure that absorbs CSF into the venous system.
Arachnoid granulation
True or False: The dura mater contains nociceptive fibers.
False
The dura mater does not have nociceptive fibers, unlike other layers.
What is the main site of maximum CSF absorption?
Superior sagittal sinus.
This area is crucial for maintaining CSF homeostasis.
What are circumventricular organs?
Areas devoid of a blood-brain barrier located around the third and fourth ventricles.
They play a role in monitoring the blood and regulating bodily functions.
What is the function of the choroid plexus?
Produces cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
The choroid plexus is located in the ventricles of the brain.
What is the role of the neurohypophysis?
The posterior pituitary that releases hormones into the bloodstream.
It is part of the endocrine system.
What are subarachnoid cisterns?
Large subarachnoid spaces containing CSF & major blood vessels.
Name a type of subarachnoid cistern.
Interpeduncular cistern.
What is the function of the pontine cistern?
Contains cerebrospinal fluid and basillary artery
Arteries present in the interpeduncular cistern
Posterior cerebral artery and posterior communicating artery (post. Part of circle of Willis)
What is the significance of the foramen magnum?
It is the closest point to the cisterna magna.
What is the largest cistern?
Cisterna magna (cerebellomedullary cistern).
What is the Sylvian cistern also known as?
Cistern of Lateral Sulcus.
What is contained within the quadrigeminal cistern?
Great cerebral vein (Vein of Galen).
Which arteries are associated with the cisterns?
Vertebral artery and PICA.
