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
What sensory changes would be expected in a. peripheral nerve injury?
Sensory loss in the territory supplied by the nerve
What is the first symptom of carpal tunnel syndrome?
Paraesthesia
What is paraesthesia?
Abnormal tingling sensation
What is the name for the autonomic nervous plexus in the GI tract?
Enteric nervous system
Describe the structure of the parasympathetic nervous system?
Preganglionic neuron has it cell body in the brainstem and leaves in the cranial nerves or in the sacral spinal cord and leaves in the spinal nerves S2-4.
This synapses with a postganglionic neuron, which is often located in the walls of the viscera which it innervates
Describe the structure of the sympathetic nervous system?
Preganglionic neuron has its cell body in the thoracic and upper lumbar spinal cord and leaves via spinal nerves (T1-L3).
This synapses with postganglionic neurons which have their cell body in the sympathetic chain located next to the vertebral column
