Neuropathology

Question 1

Describe cell body chromatolysis

Answer 1

Increased protein synthesis, enlargement and rounding of the cell body, peripheral displacement of the nucleus, dispersion of the ER –>eosinophilia

Question 2

Describe axonal degeneration

Answer 2

swollen organelles, breakdown of axon, myelin membranes

Question 3

Describe acute neuronal injury

Answer 3

Seen 6-12 hours post injury; shrinkage of cell body, eosinophilia of the cytoplasm, condensation of the nucleus “red nucleus”

Question 4

Most common cause of brain edema

Answer 4

Vasogenic edema

Question 5

Describe vasogenic edema

Answer 5

due to breakdown of BBB, may be local or diffuse

Question 6

Describe cytotoxic edema

Answer 6

swelling of neurons, glia, and endothelial cells due to an influx of extracellular water into the cytoplasm

Question 7

Which type of edema occurs with hypoxia/ischemia?

Answer 7

Cytotoxic

Question 8

Early responses to edema

Answer 8

1. obliteration of the subarachnoid space

2. obliteration of sulcal spaces

Question 9

Describe subfalcine herniation

Answer 9

cingulate gyrus is pushed underneath the flax, compressing the anterior cerebral arteries

Question 10

Describe results of transtentorial herniation

Answer 10

Midbrain compressed –> cerebral peduncle crushed against bone (weakness), ALOC, blown pupil