Neuro Essentials

Question 1

What are the two divisions of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)?

What does each generally do?

Answer 1

Sympathetic Division (generally a stimulating response)

Parasympathetic Division (generally an inhibitory response)

Question 2

Which nervous system controls conscious voluntary motor movements?

Answer 2

Somatic Nervous System

Question 3

What is the Limbic system in charge of for bodily function?

Answer 3

control and expression of mood, processing, memory, appetite, and olfaction

lesions can produce aggression, fearlessness, alterations in motivation and other behaviors

Question 4

What are the components of the forebrain?

Answer 4

telencephalon (cerebral cortex, hippocampus, basal ganglia, and amygdala)

diencephalon (thalamus, hypothalamus, subthalamus, epithalamus)

Question 5

How is white matter and gray matter organized in the cerebrum?

Answer 5

gray matter on the surface and white matter interiorly

Question 6

What are the responsibilities of the left side of the brain?

Answer 6

understanding language
sequencing of movements
producing written and spoken language
expression of positive emotions
ability to be analytical, controlled, and logical

Question 7

What are the responsibilities of the right side of the brain?

Answer 7

nonverbal processing
artistic expression
comprehension of general concepts
spatial relationships
kinesthetic awareness
mathematical reasoning
body image awareness

Question 8

What are the responsibilities of the frontal lobe of the brain?

Answer 8

intellect
orientation
voluntary movement
Broca's area
executive function

Question 9

What are the responsibilities of the parietal lobe of the brain?

Answer 9

receives information associated with touch
kinesthesia
vibration

Question 10

What are the responsibilities of the temporal lobe of the brain?

Answer 10

auditory processing
Wernicke’s area
production of meaningful speech

Question 11

What are the responsibilities of the occipital lobe of the brain?

Answer 11

visual processing
judgement of distance
vision in three dimensions

Question 12

What is the function of the midbrain?

Answer 12

serves as a relay area, connecting the forebrain to the hindbrain

also a reflex center for visual, auditory, and tactile responses

Question 13

What is the role of the cerebellum?

What is the role of the pons and the medulla?

Answer 13

cerebellum: coordinates movement and assists with maintenance of balance

pons and medulla: assist with control of the body’s vital functions

Question 14

What is the difference between A fibers, B fibers, and C fibers for peripheral nerves?

Answer 14

A fibers are large and myelinated with a high conduction speed

B fibers are medium and myelinated with a moderate speed

C fibers are small and unmyelinated or poorly myelinated with a slow speed

Question 15

What are the superficial sensations?

What are the deep sensations?

What are the cortical sensations?

Answer 15

Superficial: light touch, temperature, and pain

Deep: kinesthesia, proprioception, and vibration

Cortical: localization of touch, bilateral simultaneous stimulation, two-point discrimination, stereognosis, and barognosis

Question 16

What is the difference between neurapraxia, axonotmesis and neurotmesis?

Answer 16

All forms of acute nerve injury

Neurapraxia- mildest form of injury with axons preserved and recovery rapid and complete

Axonotmesis- more severe injury with reversible damage, potential for spontaneous recovery

Neurotmesis- most severe damage, axon and myelin are damaged, irreversible injury with no chance for spontaneous recovery, surgery may allow for some recovery

Question 17

What are the characteristics of upper motor neuron vs. lower motor neuron lesions?

Answer 17

Upper: hyperactive reflexes, mild atrophy, and increased tone

Lower: hypoactive or absent reflexes, atrophy, fasciculations, and decreased tone

Question 18

What is the Vestibuloocular reflex (VOR)?

What is the Vestibulospinal Reflex (VSR)?

Answer 18

VOR: supports gaze stabilization through eye movement that counters movements of the head

VSR: attempts to stabilize the body while the head is moving in order to manage upright posture

Question 19

What is the flexor synergy pattern for the upper extremities?

What is the extensor synergy pattern?

Answer 19

Flexor: scapular elevation and retraction, shoulder abduction and lateral rotation, elbow flexion, forearm supination, wrist flexion, and finger/thumb flexion and adduction

Extensor: scapular depression and protraction; shoulder adduction and IR; elbow extension; forearm pronation; wrist extension; and finger and thumb flexion and adduction

Question 20

What is the flexor synergy pattern for the lower extremities?

What is the extensor synergy pattern?

Answer 20

Flexor: hip abduction and ER; knee flexion; ankle dorsiflexion with supination; and toe extension

Extensor: hip extension, IR, and adduction; knee extension; ankle plantar flexion with inversion; and toe flexion and adduction

Question 21

What are the characteristics of a Left Hemisphere CVA?

Answer 21

• weakness/paralysis of the right side
• increased frustration
• decreased processing
• possible aphasia (expressive, receptive, global, etc.)
• possible dysphagia
• possible motor apraxia
• decreased discrimination between left and right
• right hemianopsia

Question 22

What are the characteristics of a Right Hemisphere CVA?

Answer 22

• weakness/paralysis of the left side
• decreased attention span
• left hemianopsia
• decreased awareness and judgment
• memory deficits
• left inattention
• decreased abstract reasoning
• emotional lability
• impulsive behavior
• decreased spinal orientation

Question 23

What are the characteristics of a Brainstem CVA?

Answer 23

• unstable vital signs
• decreased consciousness
• decreased ability to swallow
• weakness on both sides of the body
• paralysis on both sides of the body

Question 24

What are the characteristics of a Cerebellum CVA?

Answer 24

• decreased balance
• ataxia
• decreased coordination
• nausea
• decrease ability for postural adjustment
• nystagmus