MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS Flashcards
what is the definition of multiple sclerosis?
a demyelinating disease of the CNS leading to sensory, motor and cognitive dysfunction
what is the function of astrocytes?
using their perivascular feet, they control the exchange of chemicals at the blood brain barrier
what is the function of oligodendrocytes?
produce myelin sheath of cells in the CNS
which part of the nervous system does MS effect?
CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
what is the function of microglia?
analogous to macrophages in PNS, they destroy pathogens and remove damaged cells
what is the function of ependymal cells?
specialised epithelium lining the choroid plexuses and ventricles, they aid in production and circulation of CSF
what is the name given to the supporting cells of the CNS?
Glial cells
microglia are a specialised form of glial cell
what is saltatory conduction?
the propagation of action potentials along myelinated axons from one node of ranvier to the next. Functions to increase speed of action potential transduction
what is the average age of onset for MS?
28 years old
How is MS pathologically defined?
the presence of distributed glial scars in the CNS, that are disemminated in space and time
what is Lhermitte’s sign?
burning sensation down the back and limbs when neck is flexed
what are the components of charcots neurological triad of MS symptoms?
intention tremor
nystagmus
dysarthria
what is Uhthoffs phenomenom?
worsening of MS symptoms in heat
what is the inheritence risk of MS?
1 in 25
which MS DMT binds the CD52 protein on the surface of mature lymphocytes?
Alemtuzamab
