Meninges, CSF, Pathologies Flashcards
1
Q
Protection of the CNS from physical/chemical/biological harm
A
-protected by hard (scalp, and bones) and soft (meninges, CSF, BBB) structures
2
Q
Meninges
A
-soft covering that protects the brain beneath the skull
-composed of dura mater,
arachnoid mater (loose middle covering) and pia mater (innermost layer)
3
Q
Dura mater
A
- tough outer covering
- double layer membrane
- fused together except for three areas that house the dural sinuses
4
Q
Spaces in meninges
A
- subdural space: space between dural and arachnoid mater
- subarachnoid space: space between arachnoid and pia mater
- (contains CSF, that is absorbed into venous circulation through arachnoid granulation in dural sinuses
5
Q
CSF
A
- helps support and nourish the brain
- protects brain from blows
- allows chemical communication
- secreted by epithalamus by choroid plexus and continuously produced by plexuses absorbed into venous circulation
- composition similar to blood plasma
- found in subarachnoid space, ventricles, and central canal of the spinal cord
6
Q
Ventricles (choroid plexuses)
A
- hollow spaces in the brain containing CSF
- lateral ventricles > intraventricular foramen > third ventricle > cerebral aqueduct > forth ventricle > central canal > spinal cord
- ventricles also continuous with sub-arachnoid space
7
Q
Concussions
A
-alterations in brain functioning following a blow to the head
8
Q
Contusions
A
-concussions that bruise the brain, causing permanent neurological damage (may result in a coma)
9
Q
Traumatic brain injuries
A
- intracranial hemorrhage
- subdural or subarachnoid hematoma
- cerebral edema
10
Q
Intracranial hemorrhage
A
-blood vessel rupture in the brain
11
Q
Subdural or subarachnoid hematoma
A
- solid swelling due to coagulated blood from hemorrhage
- increased pressure in the skull compresses the brain and may force the brain stem inferiority through the foremen magnum
12
Q
Cerebral edema
A
-swelling of the brain from an inflammatory response
