Neurological function Flashcards
agnosia
loss of ability to recognize objects through a particular sensory system; may be visual, auditory, or tactile
ataxia
inability to coordinate muscle movements, resulting in difficulty in walking, talking, and performing self-care activities
autonomic nervous system
division of the nervous system that regulates the involuntary body functions
axon
portion of the neuron that conducts impulses away from the cell body
Babinski reflex (sign)
a reflex action of the toes; in adults is indicative of abnormalities in the motor control pathways leading from the cerebral cortex
clonus
abnormal movement marked by alternating contraction and relaxation of a muscle occurring in rapid succession
delirium
an acute, confused state that begins with disorientation and if not recognized and treated early can progress to changes in level of consciousness, irreversible brain damage, and sometimes death
dendrite
portion of the neuron that conducts impulses toward the cell body
flaccidity
displaying lack of muscle tone; limp, floppy
parasympathetic nervous system
division of the autonomic nervous system active primarily during nonstressful conditions, controlling mostly visceral functions
position (postural) sense
awareness of position of parts of the body without looking at them; also referred to as proprioception
reflex
an automatic response to stimuli
rigidity
increase in muscle tone at rest characterized by increased resistance to passive stretch
Romberg test
test for cerebellar dysfunction that can be done with the patient seated or standing; inability to maintain position for 20 seconds is a positive test
spasticity
sustained increase in tension of a muscle when it is passively lengthened or stretched
sympathetic nervous system
division of the autonomic nervous system with predominantly excitatory responses; the “fight-or-flight” system
vertigo
illusion of movement in which the individual or the surroundings are sensed as moving
What is the function of the nervous system
controls all motor, sensory, autonomic, cognitive, and behavioral activities
Enkephalin, endorphin
Nerve terminals in the spine, brain stem, thalamus and hypothalamus, pituitary gland
Excitatory; pleasurable sensation, inhibits pain transmission
Gamma-aminobutyric acid
Spinal cord, cerebellum, basal ganglia, some cortical areas.
Inhibitory
Norepinephrine (major transmitter of the sympathetic nervous system)
Brain stem, hypothalamus, postganglionic neurons of the sympathetic nervous system
Usually excitatory; affects mood and overall activity
Dopamine
Substantia nigra and basal ganglia
Usually inhibitory; affects behavior (attention, emotions) and fine movement
Serotonin
Brain stem, hypothalamus, dorsal horn of the spinal cord
Inhibitory; helps control mood and sleep, inhibits pain pathways
Acetylcholine (major transmitter of the parasympathetic nervous system)
Many areas of the brain; autonomic nervous system
Usually excitatory; parasympathetic effects sometimes inhibitory (stimulation of heart by vagal nerve)
