General Overview of Nervous System Flashcards
What is the name of the supporting cells in the nervous system?
Glial cells
where is the primary motor cortex located?
anterior wall of the central sulcus
The pyramidal tract is involved in sensory function. T/F?
False - it is one of the main motor pathways
The left side of the motor cortex supplies structures on which side of the body?
Right side
What is the function of Broca’s area?
Motor control of speech
What is the function of Wernicke’s area?
Understanding and processing of language
What is aphasia?
Difficulties in speech
What is hemiparesis?
Weakness which affects one side of the body
The left middle cerebral artery supplies part of the left motor cortex, Broca’s area and Wernicke’s area. As such, what symptoms would you expect if a patient had a stroke affecting this artery?
Right hemiparesis and aphasia
In what condition are there several discrete lesions affecting the myelin which surrounds neurons of the CNS?
Multiple sclerosis
What are the symptoms of MS?
Partial loss of vision
Double vision
Sensory changes e.g. numbness
Motor symptoms e.g. weakness, ataxia
Spinal nerves pass through plexuses such as the brachial plexus and then emerge as…?
Peripheral nerves
If sensory loss is in the region of a dermatome, then where in the nervous system is the lesion causing the sensory loss likely to be located?
The spinal nerve which innervates that dermatome
Why, in a lesion of a spinal nerve, is there usually only muscle weakness rather than complete muscle paralysis?
Muscles are usually supplied by more than one spinal nerve
In some cases, sensory loss affects the longest fibres first. This is a stock and glove distribution of sensory loss. Give an example of why this might occur?
Vitamin B12 deficiency
