Neuro Flashcards
Why is the CNS so sensitive to ischemia and hypoxia?
Highly metabolically active with little oxygen reserve
Contents of the supratentorial compartment of the cranium
The cerebral hemispheres and the diencephalon (thalamus and hypothalamus)
Contents of the infratentorial compartment of the cranium
Brainstem and cerebellum
Anterior blood supply to the brain
Internal carotid arteries
Posterior blood supply to the brain
Vertebral arteries
What types of molecules cannot permeate the blood brain barrier?
Macromolecules and proteins
What types of molecules can penetrate the blood brain barrier?
Lipid-soluble substances including CO2, O2, and anesthetic drugs.
Normal cerebral blood flow rate
50 mL/100 g/min
What percent of cardiac output does the brain receive?
15%. It makes up 2% total body weight.
Describe the concept of neurovascular coupling (aka cerebral metabolism-flow coupling)
An increase or decrease in CMRO2 results in a proportional increase or decrease in CBF
By what percent does CBF decrease for every 1 degree Celsius drop in temperature below 37?
7%
How is CPP calculated?
MAP-ICP
What does the lower limit of the cerebral autoregulation curve signify?
The CPP level below which the CBF decreases linearly with decreasing CPP. Basically, the point where vasoconstriction can no longer compensate adequately to maintain CPP.
What does the upper limit of the cerebral autoregulation curve signify?
The CPP level above which the CBF increases linearly with increasing CPP. Basically, the point where vasodilation can no longer compensate adequately for increased CBF.
What are the lower and upper limits of cerebral autoregulation?
60 mmHg and 150 mmHg
What does the plateau phase of the autoregulation curve signify?
The CPP range at which CBF remains stable d/t compensatory changes in blood vessels.