Intro to Neuro [0]

Question 1

Define Cortex

Answer 1

the outermost portion of the brain made up of grey matter; typically 6 layers thick

Broadmann’s Areas are 52 different areas of the cerebral cortex that are associated with specific neurologic functions and distinguished by different cellular components.

Question 2

Define Grey matter

Answer 2

parts of the brain made up of cell bodies, dendrites and synapses

Question 3

Define White matter

Answer 3

parts of the brain primarily composed of myelinated axons

Question 4

Define Thalamus

Answer 4

large mass of grey matter found in the center of the brain beneath the cerebral cortex and above the hypothalamus; involved in sensory perception and movement
Clusters of nuclei

Question 5

Define Cerebellum

Answer 5

a brain structure situated underneath of the cerebral hemispheres; involved in coordination, balance and other fine motor functions

Question 6

Define Ipsilateral

Answer 6

Same side

Question 7

Define Contralateral

Answer 7

Opposite side

Question 8

Define Commisure

Answer 8

bundle of nerve fibers that cross the midline of the brain and connect the two hemispheres

Question 9

Define Decussation

Answer 9

the point at which motor fibers (pyramidal fibers) cross to the contralateral side of their origin; occurs at the level of the brainstem
(crossing of nerves = X = number ten =deca)

Question 10

Define Homonculus

Answer 10

representation of a human with body parts scaled according to their representation within the primary motor cortex

Question 11

Define Somatotopy

Answer 11

pattern of arrangement of nerve fibers within the cortex according to the region of the body the fibers innervate
Not proportional- i.e. lips and hands are “larger” than the elbow, for example

Question 12

Define Afferent

Answer 12

nerve fibers that carry information toward a cell body

Question 13

Define Efferent

Answer 13

nerve fibers that carry information away from a cell body

Question 14

Define Synapse

Answer 14

junction between two neurons or a neuron and another cell

Question 15

Define Plasticity

Answer 15

changes in the spatial extent or neurotransmitter content of neurons allowing a synapse to change in strength to allow for learning and memory

Question 16

What are the six parts of the neuro exam?

Answer 16

1. Mental status exam
2. Reflexes
3. Sensory exam
4. Motor exam
5. Cranial nerve exam
6. Assessment of coordination and gait

Question 17

What is neuroanatomical localization?

Answer 17

The process of identifying the area of the nervous system that is affected based on a patient’s signs and symptoms. If a particular lesion can be identified, it is deemed an organic disorder. If the disorder is generalized (no identifiable focal lesion) it is called a functional disorder. The neurologic exam is useful in identifying the affected region of the nervous system.

Question 18

What is Neuropathology?

Answer 18

Refers to the classical patterns of a disease. In this course, we will use the mnemonic “VITAMIN C” to formulate possible pathologies underlying neurologic conditions.
o	V-vascular
o	I-infectious
o	T-traumatic
o	A-age-related/degenerative
o	M-metabolic/nutritional/toxic
o	I-inflammatory
o	N-neoplastic
o	C-congenital or developmental