Medical Issues Vocab #4 Flashcards
CNS
- composition
- functions
consists of the brain and spinal cord
integrates, processes, and coordinates sensory data and motor commands
PNS
- composition
- functions
composed of the cranial and spinal nerves
functions
-delivers sensory info to the CNS
-carries motor commands to the peripheral tissues and systems
neurons
functional unit of the nervous system that sends and receives signals
skull
bony framework of the head that encloses the brain and supports the face
composition
-cerebral cranium (protects brain and brainstem)
-anterior facial body structure
cerebral cranium
- function
- bones
function -protects the brain and brainstem bones -frontal -two temporal -two parietal -occipital -sphenoid -ethmoid
facial skeleton bones
mandible two zygomatic two maxillary two nasal anterior bones of the head
meninges
-function
three layers surrounding the spinal cord and brain
act as a protective covering
act as a support structure for the brain
pathway for blood flow
dura mater
-functions
outermost layer of the meninges
thick, tough, fibrous layer
forms structures that separate the cranial cavity into compartments
protects the brain from displacement
arachnoid membrane
- separated from dura by…
- contains
- function
middle layers of the meninges
separated from dura mater by subdural space
contains lymphatic fluid
acts to reduce friction between the dura and pia mater
pia mater
innermost layer of the meninges
very thin
adheres directly to the surface of the brain and spinal cord
cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
- function
- generated in…
protets the four ventricles of the brain, the subarachnoid space, and the spinal canal
generated in the choroid plexus
cerebrum
- divisions
- composition
- contains…
largest major region of the brain
divided into two cerebral hemispheres and further into four lobes: frontal, temporal, parietal, and occipital
composed of neural tissue
contains the cerebral cortex, limbic system, and basal ganglia
aphasia
neurological condition resulting in impaired speech
brainstem
-functions
portion of the brain that is continuous with the spinal cord and comprises the medulla oblongata, pons, midbrain, and parts of the hypothalamus function -controls reflexes and essential internal mechanisms such as respiration and heartbeat
cerebellar peduncles
three large bundles of nerve fibers conducting information between the brain and spinal cord
medulla oblongata
-functions
relay point between the diencephalon, cerebrum, and spinal cord
contains major control centers for regulation of cardiovascular activity, respiration, and digestion
pons
-functions
connects the cerebellum with the midbrain
serves as a relay point between the diencephalon, cerebrum, and spinal cord
helps with involuntary control of respiration
midbrain
-functions
processes visual and auditory responses
generates involuntary motor responses such as reflexes to sudden visual and auditory stimuli
produces dopamine
-affects consciousness, motivation, and alertness
somatic nervous system
controls voluntary and involuntary skeletal muscle contraction
autonomic nervous system
- functions
- divisions
provides involuntary automatic regulation of smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, and glandular secretions
divisions
-sympathetic division
-parasympathetic division
somatic nervous system functions
provides a stimulating effect
- increases HR and breathing
- dilated blood vessels in skeletal and cardiac muscles and constricts them in the gastrointestinal tract
- dilated the bronchial passages
- dilates the pupils
- erects the hair for protection and display
- increases sweat secretion
- mobilizes glucose
parasymphathetic nervous system functions
provides a relaxing effect
- constricts the pupils
- decreases HR
- increases gastrointestinal peristalsis and secretion
- expels wastes
cerebellum
- location
- composition
- functions
location
-dorsal to the pons and medulla oblongata
composition
-two hemispheres connected by the vermis
functions
-controls function in the higher level coordination of voluntary movements and in the maintenance of balance, equilibrium, and muscle tone
spinal cord
- functions
- divided into…
body’s communication system
-transmits nerve impulses to the brain from the spinal nerves that innervate sensory organs and muscles
divided into white and gray matter
gray matter
- composition
- organized
consists of unmyelinated neurons or nerve cells
organized in functional groups known as somatic or visceral nuclei
white matter
contain myelinated axons of neurons
surrounds the gray matter and consists of the ventral, later, and dorsal columns
upper motor neuron
-S/S of damage
a motor neuron whose cell body is located in the motor area of the cerebral cortex and whose processes connect with motor nuclei in the brainstem or the anterior horn of the spinal cord
pertain to the brain or spinal cord
damage to these structures presents as weakness, paralysis, increased muscle tone, spasticity, hyperactive deep tendon reflexes, and the presence of Babinski’s reflex
do not typically regenerate
lower motor neuron (final motor neuron)
motor neuron whose cell body is located in the brainstem or the spinal cord and whose axon innervates skeletal muscle fibers
relate to nerve cell bodies or axons or both
located in the anterior horn of the spinal cord and peripheral nerves
damage to these nerves causes decreased muscle tone, flaccidity, diminished or absent deep tendon reflexes, muscular twitching, and progressive atrophy of the affected muscles
dorsal root
contain sensory fibers carrying pain and temperature information from the muscles
contain axons from muscle spindles and skin and joint mechanorecpetors
ventral root
composed primarily of motor neuron fibers from skeletal muscle, as well as muscle spindle fibers, autonomic axons, and axons carrying thoracic and abdominal visceral sensory information
dermatome
the area of skin supplied by a specific spinal nerve
clinically significant in diagnosing the sensory area of nerve injury
myotome
muscle or group of muscles supplied by one ventral nerve
hypotonia
loss of muscle tone
hypertonia
increase in muscle tone
ataxia
incoordination of voluntary movement
nystagmus
involuntary oscillations of one or both eyes
dysmetria
the inability or impaired ability to accurately control the range of movement in muscular acts
dysdiachokinesia
difficulty performing rapidly alternating movements
agnosia
inability to recognize and interpret sensory stimuli (CVA)
agraphia
inability to express thoughts in writing (CVA)
allodynia
sensitivity or pain to non-painful stimuli (CRPS)
anisocoria
pupil size inequality of 0.5 to 2.0 mm (neurological disease)
aphasia
impaired comprehension or expression of written or spoken language
- CVA
- encephalitis
- dysphasia
- head trauma
apraxia
inability to perform purposeful movements in the absence of weakness, sensory loss, coordination, or lack of comprehension
-CVA
ataxia
incoordination of voluntary movement
- CVA
- head trauma
- GBS
- MS
aura
sensory or motor phenomenon that indicates the start of a seizure or an impending classical migraine
- migraine
- seizure
decerebrate rigidity
abnormal extensor responses in the upper and lower limbs
-cerebral cortex trauma
decorticate rigidity
abnormal flexor response in the upper extremity and extensor response in the lower extremity
- CVA
- head trauma
- cerebellum trauma
deep tendon reflexes
abnormally brisk muscle contraction with tapping
hyperactive on the muscle tendon
-CVA
-trauma
abnormally slow muscle contraction with tapping
hypoactive on the muscle tendon
-GBS
diplopia
double vision
- CVA
- encephalitis
- MS
- head trauma
- migraine
dysarthria
impaired articulation
- CVA
- MS
fasciculations
irregular contraction of groups of muscle fibers
-GBS
footdrop
plantar flexion of the foot caused by impaired ability to dorsiflex the foot
- CVA
- MS
- GBS
hemianopia
loss of vision in one half of the visual field
-CVA
hyperesthesia
increased sensitivity to touch, pain, and temperature
- CVA
- CRPS
incontinence
involuntaryloss of urine or feces
- CVA
- MS
- head trauma
Kernig’s sign
with a patient in the supine position and leg flexion, there is resistance and pain with leg extension
- meningitis
- SAH
level of consciousness
reduced alertness ranging from lethargy to stupor
- CVA
- ebcephalitis
- head trauma - bleeds, seizure, meningitis
light flashes
bright stars, streaks, or spots in the visual field
- migraine
- head trauma
miosis
unilateral constriction of a pupil
-cluster headache
muscle atrophy
wasting of muscle size
- CVA
- MS
mental flaccidity
profound weakness with lack of active muscle movement and resistance
- CVA
- GBS
- seizures
muscle spasticity
increased resistance to movement
- CVA
- MS
- head trauma
muscle weakness
reduced muscle strength
- CVA
- MS
- head trauma
- GBS
- seizure
myoclonus
spasms of a muscle or group of muscles
-viral encephalitis
nuchal rigidity
profound stiffness of the neck with flexion
- meningitis
- encephalitis
- head trauma - bleeds
nystagmus
involuntary oscillations of one or both eyes
- CVA
- MS
- encephalitis
- head trauma
- meningitis
ocular deviation
abnormal movement of one or both eyes
- CVA
- MS
- encephalitis
- head trauma
- meningitis
paralysis
complete loss of voluntary movement
- CVA
- MS
- encephalitis
- head truama
- meningitis
paralysis
complete loss of voluntary movement
- CVA
- encephalitis
- MS
- migraine
- seizure
- head trauma - bleeds
paresthesia
abnormal sensation in the distribution of peripheral nerves
- CVA
- GBS
- migraine
- MS
- head trauma
- seizure
photophobia
increased sensitivity to light
- meningitis
- migraine
ptosis
drooping of the upper eyelid
-migraine
rhinorrhea
loss of thin mucus from the nasal passages
-cluster headache
Romberg’s sign
impaired balance with eyes closed and feet together
-MS
scotoma
focal area of darkness or blindness in the visual field
-migraine
tremors
rhythmical shaking of an extremity from involuntary contraction and relaxation of opposing muscles
-MS
look at concussion stuff
management, complications
potential complications
subdural hematoma
epidural hematoma
post concussion syndrome
epilepsy
chronic condition consisting of unprovoked, randomly recurring seizures
epilepsy exercise contraindications
high-risk sports such as gymnastics, high diving, sky diving, rock climbing, and motor sports
water events while alone
epilepsy precautions with activity
noncontact sports such as archery, riflery, swimming, weight-lifting events and activities involving height are worrisome
always have another person around while performing water activities
benefits of activity for epilepsy
seizure prevalence is reduced during exercise
studies demonstrate that abnormalities on an EEG are reduced during exercise
overall wellness and a sense of well-being reduce seizure frequency
multiple sclerosis
neurodegenerative, life-long chronic disease characterized by the gradual accumulation of focal plaques of demyelination in the brain
MS causes
autoimmune disease
precise cause remians unknown but MS develops in genetically susceptible individuals who reside in certain permissive environments
nervous system parts affected by MS
myelinated cells of the brain are destroyed and replaced by hard sclerotic tissue
PNS not affected
MS S/S
no cure
two types of treatment
-modify the course of the disease
-symptom management
Guillain-Barre’ syndrome
acute, diffuse demyelinating disorder of the spinal roots and peripheral nerves characterized by bilateral muscle weakness or even paralysis initiating in the legs
GBS causes
autoimmune syndrome
specific lymphocytes are thought to produce antibodies against components of the myelin sheath and may contribute to destruction of myelin
GBS nervous system parts affected
spinal roots and peripheral nerves
GBS S/S
distal muscle weakness and loss of deep tendon reflexes that occurs bilaterally
areflexia
afebrile state
pain with slightest movement of affected area
nocturnal muscular cramps
GBS treatment
no cure
therapies aim to lessen the severity of the symptoms, accelerate the rate of recovery and manage complication of the symdrome
corticosteroids have been shown to work
