Neuropathology 1 Flashcards
What are the glial cells, and what are their functions?
Astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, ependyma
All are support cells, oligodendrocytes form myelin sheath, ependyma lines the ventricles.
What is the function of microglia?
Serve as a fixed macrophage system
What is an axonal reaction?
A reaction within the cell body that is associated with axonal injury
What is gliosis?
A histopathological indicator of CNS injury
What happens during gliosis?
Astrocytes undergo hyperplasia and hypertrophy
Nucleus enlarges and becomes vesicular
Nucleolus becomes prominent
Cytoplasmic expansion with extension of processes
What are glial fibrils?
Old lesions, where nuclei become small and dark and lie in dense net of processes.
What are ependymal granulations?
Proliferation of sub ependymal astrocytes producing small irregularities on the ventricular surfaces
How long does irreversible damage to the CNS take to set in?
4 minutes
Why are neurones very vulnerable to hypoxic damage
They cannot use anaerobic glycolysis to produce ATP, they need oxygen
What does a blockage of an anterior cerebral artery cause
Sensory loss in the contralateral foot and leg
Sparing of thigh and face
Paresis of arm and foot
Which arteries make up the circle of Willis?
Anterior cerebral arteries, middle cerebral arteries, Posterior cerebral arteries, internal carotid arteries, Basillar artery, Vertebral arteries.
What are watershed areas and why are they significant in stroke?
They are junctions of arterial territories and are first to be deprived of blood supply during hypotensive episodes
What is the pathogenesis of dementia?
Hyaline arteriosclerosis cause by hypertension–> Multiple micro-infarcts (Not clinically detected until a significant number occur) –> Cognitive impariment
