Neuro Flashcards
Contrast the embryological development of the neural cells and ventricular system.
Neural cells come from the neural tube.
Ventricular system comes from the lumen of the neural tube.
What major adult structures arise from each embryonic subdivison of the neural tube? What is their relationship to the ventricular system?
(L1/2)
Describe the gray and white matter organization of the spinal cord, brainstem, and forebrain.
(L1/2)
Forebrain: Gray matter is on the outside, white matter is on the inside
Brainstem: Is this different?
Spinal cord: Gray matter is on the insider, white matter is on the outside
Contrast grey and white matter.
(L1/2)
Grey matter: cell bodies
White matter: myelenated axons
Contrast the following terms:
nucleus, column, layer/lamina/stratum, tract/fasciculus/lemniscus, funiculus, ganglion, root, ramus, nerve, plexus
(L1/2)
Explain the difference between projection neurons and local interneurons.
(L1/2)
Projection neurons: neurons that have long axonal projections to other regions of the CNS or PNS
Local interneurons: neurons with short projections
How many layers does the cortex have and how does this contribute to its functionality?
(L1/2)
Six layers of cerebral cortex provides a laminar organization within columns to allow for complex processing. There are also varying degrees of thickness depending on the location in the brain leading to different functionality.
Homunculus
(L1/2)
Column of cells that are functionally related by body part. This occurs in both the brain and in the spinal cord.
Describe the general organization of spinal cord and spinal nerves in terms of:
dorsal root ganglia, ventral root ganglia, afferents, efferents, dorsal region (horn), ventral region (horn)
(L1/2)
Contrast: nerve, neuron, nerve fiber, neurites, and neurophils
(L1/2)
Nerve: collection of parallel axons and support cells, a macrostructure with components contributed by many cells
Neuron: an individual nerve cell
Nerve fiber/axon: signaling component of the neuron and associated supportive sheath
Neurites: any projection of a neuron
Neurophil: collective of dendrites, axons, and support cells wtihin the CNS
What are commissures?
(L1/2)
Connections between two different hemispheres including the anterior commissure, posterior commissure, and the corpus callosum are examples
*What structures are present in the telencephalon/cerebral hemispheres?
(L1/2)
Frontal, parietal, occipital, and temporal lobes, insula, amygdala, hippocampus, basal ganglia, corpus callosum, anterior commissure, posterior commissure, fornix, cingulum, arcuate fasciculus, lateral ventricles
Neocortex
(L1/2)
Cortex responsible for vision and hearing? Is this true?
Association cortex
(L1/2)
Integrates primary motor and sensory cortex
Brodmann Areas
(L1/2)
laminar organization with different areas having different abilities
Lateral/Sylvian Fissure
Divides temporal lobe from the parietal and occipital lobe; deep to this structure is the insula
Calcarine sulcus
divides the visual cortex in the occipital lobe
Insula
(L1/2)
Deep to the lateral fissure, connected to the basal ganglia, (considered part of the neocortex?)
What is the location and function of the cingulum and the arcuate fasciculus?
(L1/2)
Telencephalon
Axon bundles that connect regions within one hemisphere?
What is the function of the fornix?
(L1/2)
Connects the hippocampus with other brain regions
*What structure are found in the diencephalon?
(L1/2)
Thalamus is dorsal region of the diencephalon, anterior to the brain stem, & lateral to the third ventricle
Hypothalamus, third ventricle
Massa intermedia/thalamic adhesion: connecting point between the right and left thalamus; however, NO crossing fibers are present
There is also ventral connection to the pituitary gland via the hypothalamus
Thalamus
(L1/2)
Processes the sensory (except olfactory) and motor influences, regulates consciousness
Mass intermedia/ thalamic adhesion
(L1/2)
Connection between thalamus that touch, but do not have crossing fibers
Reticular nucleus
(L1/2)
regulation of thalamus
Hypothalamus
(L1/2)
Coordinating and integrating endocrine, autonomic, and homeostatic functions
What structures are found in the brainstem?
(L1/2)
Mesencephalon/midbrain, Pons, Medulla
Describe the cranial nerves exit from the brainstem.
I - olfactory n is in the cribiform plate but attaches to the olfactory bulb (dienchaphalon)
II (diencephalon)
III, IV midbrain
V hindbrain
VI, VII, VIII @ junction in pons and medulla
IX, X lateral origin
XI from the spine
XII between olives and pyramids
How are connections made between the brainstem and the cerebral hemispheres?
(L1/2)
cerebral peduncles, with some input from the periphery through the cranial nerves directly, and most other information traveling via the spinal cord
*Describe the location of the cerebellum. How is it connected to the brainstem?
(L1/2)
Above the brainstem with two cortical hemispheres and several deep nuclei. It is connected to the brainstem via cerebella peduncles.
*Contrast the primary motor cortices, primary sensory cortices, association cortices.
(L1/2)
Primary motor cortices
Primary sensory cortices: touch, vision, audition; smell and taste
Association cortices: integration, planning, or interpretation of impulses from primary cortices
What part of the brain is damaged in anoxia, epilepsy, and Alzheimer’s?
(L1/2)
Hippocampus
What part of the brain is damaged in Parkinson’s and Huntington’s Disease?
(L1/2)
Basal ganglia
Describe the tegmentum
(L1/2)
It is continuous through the brainstem. There is a pontine, midbrain, and hindbrain portion. Neuronal processes are held here.
Contrast the superior and inferior colliculi.
(L1/2)
Located on the tectum. Superior is responsible for visual reflexes and inferior is responsible for auditory pathway.
*What is the function of the brain stem?
(L1/2)
Neural pathways/tracts between the cerebrum and spinal cord extend through the brainstem and is the target of most cranial nerves that control movement and sensation in the head and neck region. These cranial nerve cell bodies are prone to vascular accidents.
*What is the function of the cerebellum?
(L1/2)
modulation of motor movement, attention, language
damage can lead to ataxia
*Describe the layers and functions of the meninges.
(L3)
Dura mater: periosteum and meningeal layer between which form the dural sinuses
Arachnoid mater: Composed of cap cells, barrier cells, and trabeculae with a subarachnoid space that contains CSF, roots of cranial and spinal nerves, blood vessels of the CNS, and cisterns
Pia mater: vascularized layer that directly contacts the brain and spinal cord
Contrast the epidural space in the cranium with the spinal cord.
The spinal cord has a real space that is fatty that is ideal for drug delivery (ie. epidurals). The dura in the brain directly adheres to the skull making the epidural space a potential space.
Leptomeninges
Arachnoid mater and pia mater together
*Cisterns
(L3)
subarachnoid space enlarged regions that are reservoirs of CSF
How are the meninges embryologically derived?
(L3)
Neural crest cells and mesoderm
What are the majority of meninges made of?
(L3)
Fibroblasts and EC connective tissue; the more connective tissue the tougher the layer
Compare and contrast bacterial, viral, and fungal meningitis.
(L3)
Present with fever, chills, headache, increased CSF pressure, and cloudy CSF
Bacterial: caused by Streptococcus pneumonia or Neisseria meningitidis; fatal if untreated; early treatment with antibiotics; turbid; 60-90% positive gram stain; <0.4 glucoseCSF serum ratio; WCC >500; 90% PMN
Viral: <25 y/o, supportive treatment; clear; <1000 WCC; higher PMN
Fungal: injection of contaminated substance, not contagious; fibrin web; 100-500 WCC; monocytes
Meningiomas
(L3)
Arise from arachnoid cap cells
Most common form of benign intracranial tumor
Slow growing, benign, surrounded by clear order
Treatment is surgical removal
Hemorrhages
(L3)
Most common cause is trauma
Symptoms: headache, neck stiffness, vomitting, depression of lack of consciousness
Can occur in epidural (middle meningeal), subdural (dural sinuses), or subarachnoid space (cerebral arteries)
Describe the brain’s consumption of oxygen.
(L3)
20% but only 2% of water weight
10 second: loss of consciousness
3-5 minutes: irrepabable or fatal
10-20 minutes under hypothermic conditions
Describe the Circle of Willis.
(L3)
Aneurysms
(L3)
bulging of an artery found at ranching points of vessels
Treatment: clipping of bulging portion
Cerebral Embolism
(L3)
occlusion of cerebral vessel by plaque or bacterial
Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM)
(L3)
Proper connections do not develop between major arteries and veins; they communicate with each other by bypassing the capillaries; these are dynamic and will change and grow and might lead to hemorrage
Treatment: surgical removal
Stroke
(L3)
Hemorragic or ischemic (most common; either thrombosis or embolic)
“FAST”
Facial drooping
Arm weakness
Speech difficulties
Time
*Differentiation for hemorragic is sudden onset
Treatment: TPA within 3 hours
What is the blood supply to the spinal cord?
(L3)
Anterior spinal artery, posterior spinal artery, sulcal artery
Contrast the dural sinuses with other veins in the body.
(L3)
The dural sinuses do not have the collection of other cells surrounding them like other veins. They also lack valves thus do not have one way motion.
Describe the production and function of the CSF.
(L3)
Little protein and WBC, no RBC; higher Cl, Mg, and Na than plasma, dramatically lower proteins and albumin than plasma
Protection, buffereing, filtering, cushioning of the brain, excretion of waster products, transportation of hormones and ions
150 mL with a pressure of 70-180 mmH20 which is a pressure high than the venous sytem ensuring that there is one way transport
400-500 mL of CSF/day
Lumbar puncture
(L3)
Level of L1/L2; cauda equina
Cloudy: bacterial meningitidis (due to neutrophils)
IgG: Mutliple sclerosis
RBC: subarachnoid hemorrhage
Malignant cancer: metastasis of cancer
Choroid Plexus
(L3)
Where CSF is made in the lateral, third, and fourth ventricles. They arise from tufts of specialized ependymal cells and form villi. CSF circulates for 6-8 hours before exiting via subarachnoid granulations/arachnoid villus to the venous system
What is the flow of CSF?
- CSF is made in the choroid plexus in the lateral, third, and fourth ventricle. (NB the two parts of the lateral ventricles do not communicate with each other due to the Septum Pellucidum)
- Interventricular Foramne of Monro
- Cerebral Aqueduct (no choroid plexus, narrow and susceptible to occlusion which can dilate the lateral and 3rd ventricles)
- Foramen of Magendie (medially) and Foramina of Lushka (laterally) and central canal of spinal cord
Hydrocephalus
(L3)
Increased CSF volume and pressure leading to enlargement of the ventricles caused by blockage or a failure of the CSF to be reabsorbed
Congenital
Acquired: (three types)
- Obstructive hydrocephalus: Intraventricular foramen, cerebral acqueduct, or subarachnoid obstruction (at tentorium cerebelli or superior sagittal sinus)
- Normal pressure hydrocephalus: misnomer because CSF pressure is elevated typically in elderly patients who exhibit the diagnostic triad of urinary problems, impaired gait, and dementia
- Communicating Hydrocephalus: CSF flow into the venous system is blocked due to cogenital absence of arachnoid villi or blockage of arachnoid villi (by RBC with hemorrage; by protein due to infection)
Blood brain barrier
(L3)
Tight junctions etween endothelial cells that surround the lumen of brain capillaries. Pericytes assist with blood vessle contstriction. Astrocytes regulate blood flow.
fMRI, change blood flow, change oxygen and glucose levels
Low molecular weight and lipophilic will pass; everything else requires active transport
We have to be careful about the central effects of peripheral drugs (ie antihistamines)
Circumventricular organs
BBB is incomplete in these areas and sense concentration of blood components.
For example, the area postrema detects the presence of noxious substances and induces vomitting.
Describe the ratio of glial cells to neurons in the brain.
(L4)
There are more glial cells than neurons.
Contrast neurons and glia in terms of ability to divide and propagate action potential.
(L4)
Neurons can propagate action potential, but glia cannot. Glia have the ability to divide wheras neurons cannot.
Describe the embryological development of glia cells.
(L4)
Astrocytes and oligodendrocytes <– neuroectoderm
Microglia <– mesoderm
In general what disorders are glia connected to in general?
(L4)
Brain tumors, MS, trauma, neurodegenerative disorders, homeostasis issues
Describe the abundance and structure of astrocytes.
(L4)
20-50% of total brain volume; most abundant and largest form of glia; present in gray and white matter
Star shaped processes; highly branched; can have up to 10^5 synapses
Present in gray and white matter end-feet interact with the BBB and form the intervascular lining membrane
Surround neuron cell bodies, dendrites, and axons
Glia limitans
Tripartite synapse
Bergmann glia
(L4)
cerebellum
Mueller cells
(L4)
retina glia
Interlaminar astrocytes
(L4)
Astrocytes in layer 1 of the cortex with tortuous processes
Protoplasmic astrocytes
(L4)
Thick, highly branched, in layers 2-6 in gray matter
Fibrous astrocytes
(L4)
Long, thin, less branched, in white matter
How can we distinguish histological slides of astrocytes?
(L4)
GFAP and Golgi-staining
Glia limitans
(L4)
a layer of end feet of astrocytes lining the pia mater
Tripartite synapse
(L4)
Presynaptic neuron, post synaptic neuron, astrocyte
Communicates with neurons in a bidirectional manner via chemical transmission
What are the functions of astrocytes?
(L4)
Describe the role of astrocytes in the glutamate-glutamate cycle.
(L4)
- The astrocyte takes up glutamate via the EAAT1/2 channel.
- Glutamine synthase converts glutamate to glutamine.
- Glutamine transfers from the astrocyte to the presynaptic neuron via EAAT3/4.
- Glutaminase converts glutamine to glutamate.
*This can also happen with GABA
What are pathologic conditions associated with astrocytes?
(L4)
Glial scars: result from spinal cord injury
Traumatic brain injury: alteration of homeostasis and astrocytes can infiltrate to control electrolyte and fluid imbalance
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): astrocytes release toxins that can damage motor neurons
Epilepsy: issue with glutamate and K balance
Astrocytomas: most common glial tumors
Glioblastoma multiform: most deadly
Descirbe the structure and function of Oligodendrocytes.
(L4)
Found in white and grey matter, smaller than astrocytes with fewer branches; one can wrap around multiple axons; high lipid:protein 80:20; Nodes of Ranvier (saltatory conduction; rich in Na channels)
Form myelin sheath in white matter allowing faster propagation; in gray matter perineural oligodendrocyte with unknown function
How can oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells be identified on histology?
MBP
How are oligodendrocytes involved in pathology?
(L4)
MS: demylenating disease because of degenration of oligodendrocytes; idiopathic
PML: rare fatal disease due to JVC in the white matter in the brain
Infarct, infection, infants have low myeline
Clinical depression
Oligodendriomas: slow growing tumors
Describe the general structure and distribution of microglia.
(L4)
Smallest of all the glia cells; 20% of brain; grey and white matter; immune cells
Id: Iba1 and OX-42/CD11b
Contrast the function of the resting state, active state, and ambedoid microglia.
(L4)
Resting state: rod-shaped bodies, symmetrical processes, inactive
Activation: thicker processes, larger cell bodies, secrete cytokines, chemokines, and anti-inflammatory factors
Ameboid: phagocytosis
Contrast M1 and M2 active microglia.
(L4)
M1: proinflammatory, IL1B, TNFalpha (inflammatory)
M2: arginase I, IL-10 (antiinflammatory), clearance of debris and reduce inflammation via phagocytosis
What is the function of the microglia?
(L4)
Immune cells
- Resident immune cells of brain quickly activate to respond to damage to the brain via phagocytosis
- Mediate inflammatory response in CNS
- Important for CNS development and synaptic plasticity
- Communicate with microglia and astrocytes
What is the histology distinguishing feature of microglia?
(L4)
Iba1 and OX-42/CD11b
What is the embryological development of the microglia?
(L4)
yolk-sac cell
Describe pathology associated with microglia.
(L4)
- Excess TNF alpha and IL1 beta become toxic to surrounding cells.
- These also can exacerbate bacterial meningitis because they promotoe permeability of BBB.
- Microglia targeted in HIV in inflammatory state
- Neurodegenerative disease, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s
- MS, autism, environmental toxins