Intro to Neuro

Question 1

where do low level functions exist in the brain?

Answer 1

low in the brain (brain stem)

Question 2

where do high level functions exist in the brain?

Answer 2

high in the brain (cortex)

Question 3

why is neuroanatomy so confusing?

Answer 3

all cortical functions get carried through brainstem and then through the cord so a problem with these areas will look like cortical problems also

Question 4

which are the UMN?

Answer 4

CNS-brain, spinal cord (until the anterior horn cell)

Question 5

which are the LMN?

Answer 5

PNS-somatic nervous system
autonomic nervous system (para/symp)
(from anterior horn cell to innervated muscle)

Question 6

overactive parasympathetic response would provoke what?

Answer 6

salivation, lacrimation, urinary incontinence, bowel incontinence

Question 7

overactive sympathetic response would provoke what?

Answer 7

tachycardia, flight or flight

Question 8

what is the study of choice to examine the nervous system (with the exception of vascular problems)?

Answer 8

MRI

distinguishes subtle differences in density of tissues

Question 9

what is the one thing that a non contrast CT of the brain would show you?

Answer 9

blood in the brain (hemorrhage)

Question 10

which type of brain lesions are very debilitating?

Answer 10

deep brain lesions (processing centers-nuclei- are most affected)

Question 11

what is an intracerebral hemorrhage?

Answer 11

blood accumulating below the pia mater (within the cerebral cortex)

Question 12

what is a subarachnoid hemorrhage?

Answer 12

blood accumulating in the subarachnoid space (usu. b/c of an aneurysm, AVM)
-presents with “worst headache of my life”

Question 13

how is a subarachnoid hemorrhage diagnosed?

Answer 13

CT scan (followed by an LP if you are still suspicious)

Question 14

what is a subdural hemorrhage?

Answer 14

blood accumulating in the subdural space

-older ppl, coumadin, traumatic,

Question 15

what is the main complication with any intracranial hemorrhage?

Answer 15

skull doesn’t have any give and it causes intracranial pressure increase which causes brain stem herniation

Question 16

what are the main functions of the meninges?

Answer 16

outer covering
CSF circulation
buoyancy

Question 17

what is the main arterial support to the meninges?

Answer 17

middle meningeal artery

Question 18

what is are the main venous support to the meninges?

Answer 18

superior sagittal sinus
inferior sagittal sinus
transverse sinsu

Question 19

which ventricle is adjacent to the cerebellum and is included in the hindbrain?

Answer 19

fourth

Question 20

which is the oldest embryologic part of the brain (hindbrain)

Answer 20

cerebellum

Question 21

what is included in the midbrain?

Answer 21

center of the brain

Question 22

what is the diencephalon and telencephalon (forebrain)?

Answer 22

thalamus, hypothalamus (di)

corpus collosum, cerebrum, ganglai

Question 23

what are frontal lobe functions?

Answer 23

reasoning
planning
speech
movement
emotions
problem-solving

Question 24

what are the parietal functions?

Answer 24

movement
orientation
recognition
perception of stimuli

Question 25

what are the occipital lobe functions?

Answer 25

visual processing

Question 26

what are the temporal lobe functions?

Answer 26

perception
recognition of auditory stimuli
memory
speech

Question 27

where are the pleasure/reward pathways located?

Answer 27

limbic system (thalamus, hypothalamus, amygdala, hippocampus)

Question 28

which part of brainstem is responsible for respiration and heartbeat?

Answer 28

medulla

Question 29

what part of the brainstem helps with coordinating movement and analyzes sensory information?

Answer 29

pons

Question 30

which part of the brain is involved with vision, hearing, eye movement and body movements?

Answer 30

midbrain

Question 31

which type of brain cell has foot processes around capillaries forming the BBB?

Answer 31

astrocytes

Question 32

what are clinical indications of UMN lesion?

Answer 32

1. contralaterally affected
2. spasticity and increased muscle tone
3. positive Babinski sign
4. no muscle atrophy
5. hyperreflexivity and clonus

Question 33

what are clinical indications of LMN lesions?

Answer 33

1. decreases muscle tone and weakness
2. decreased strength and decreased reflexes
3. atrophy of muscles
4. abnormal EMG potentials, including fasciculations