Neurosensory & Integumentary Systems Exam Study Guide Flashcards
1
Q
What are the functions of the inner ear?
A
- The division between the middle ear and inner ear is the oval window (fenestra ovalis).
- The inner ear is embedded in the temporal bone, the densest bone in the body.
- Here, the bony labyrinth contains the membranous labyrinth (or just labyrinth ).
- Both labyrinths are filled with fluid similar to cerebrospinal fluid. (The fluid in the bony labyrinth [perilymph] is thinner and that in the membranous labyrinth is thicker [endolymph].)
- The labyrinths are important in sound wave transmission and in determination of body balance and positional changes.
- The three sections of the inner ear are the cochlea, vestibule, and semicircular canals
2
Q
Describe Presbycusis, Tinnitus and Vertigo.
A
- Presbycusis
- Progressive hearing loss (highest pitches lost first);
- certain consonants difficult to hear (K, T, S, P)
- Tinnitus
- A high-pitched buzzing or “ringing in the ears.”
- Vertigo
- True vertigo is the sensation that either you or the room is spinning; dizziness is a sensation of lightheadedness.
- Inner ear diseases or defects in conductive pathways and/or the central nervous system cause true vertigo.
- Nausea often accompanies vertigo, as does tinnitus
3
Q
Functions of the Cerebral Lobes
A
- Frontal Lobe:
- Located at front of the skull, forehead
- Location of higher mental processes (intelligence, motivation, mood, aggression, and planning);
- Site for verbal communication and voluntary control of skeletal muscles
- Parietal Lobe:
- Between frontal and occipital lobes
- Location of skin, taste, and muscle sensations;
- Speech center;
- Enables formation of words to express thoughts and emotions;
- Interprets textures and shapes
- Temporal Lobe:
- Located at sides of the skull
- Location of sense of smell and auditory interpretation
- Stores auditory and visual experiences
- Forms thoughts that precede speech
- Occipital Lobe:
- Located at back of the skull
- Location of eye movements;
- Integrates visual experiences
4
Q
Location and Functions of Sensory Nerves
A
- Olfactory
- Smell (Sensory)
- Optic
- Vision (Sensory)
- Oculomotor
- Eye movements (Motor)
- Trochlear (smallest cranial nerves)
- Voluntary eye movements (Motor)
- Trigeminal (largest cranial nerves)
- Sensations of head and face; movement of mandible (Both)
- Abducent (Abducens)
- Eye movements (Motor)
- Facial
- Taste;
- Facial expressions (Both)
- Vestibulocochlear (Acoustic)
- Hearing and balance
- Glossopharyngeal
- Controls swallowing
- Gives information on pressure and oxygen tension of blood
- Taste (Both)
- Vagus (“ wanderer”) (the only cranial nerve not restricted to head and neck)
- Somatic motor function
- Parasympathetic functions
- Speech
- Swallowing
- Gag reflex (Both)
- Accessory (Spinal accessory)
- Rotation of head;
- Raising of shoulder (Motor)
- Hypoglossal
- Movement of tongue (Motor)
5
Q
Usage and Purpose of the Lumbar Puncture
A
- A small amount of CSF may be withdrawn through the space between two vertebrae, a lumbar puncture ( LP ) or spinal tap.
- Laboratory studies of CSF can reveal many situations, such as bleeding into the CNS or infections of the brain or its meninges.
- An LP can also introduce medications such as antibiotics or anesthetics into the CSF and can measure CSF pressure, which must be maintained within very close tolerances.
6
Q
Purpose of EEG (Electroencephalogram) in patient care
A
- An electroencephalogram ( EEG ) is a visual record of the electrical activity of the millions of neurons in the brain.
- Brain wave activity helps diagnose neurologic problems, and in many states, cessation of brain wave activity is an important legal consideration in the confirmation of biologic death.
7
Q
Maintenance of skin integrity in patient care delivery
A
- Skin is the first line of defense against infection therefore, maintenance of skin integrity is a high priority.
- Skin disorders include abrasions, blisters, rashes, infection, cancer, fungal infections (e.g., athlete’s foot), and sunburn.
- Keep skin clean, to prevent growth of pathogens.
- Clean and cover cuts and open wounds.
- Use cosmetics sparingly; remove daily.
- Dress appropriately for the weather.
- Eat a balanced diet; drink plenty of water and other fluids.
- Protect your skin from excessive sun; wear long-sleeved clothing and a hat, and stay in the shade.
- Skin cancer has been related to excessive UV exposure.
8
Q
Functions of the true organ of hearing
A
- Cochlea
- The cochlea is shaped like a hollow snail shell.
- Inside the bony cochlea lies the cochlear duct, containing the organ of Corti , a very small but very intricate structure.
- It is approximately 1.5 in. (3.75 cm) long and contains approximately 7,500 separate parts.
- This organ is referred to as the “true organ of hearing” because transmission of nerve stimuli related to sound begins here.
9
Q
Purpose of Sebum
A
- Sebum is the oily secretion of these glands;
- It travels to the surface of the skin through hair follicles.
- Sebum helps make the skin soft and hair glossy.
- Sebum prevents drying of the skin, thereby protecting it from cracking.
- Cracked skin can lead to infection and can allow foreign substances to be absorbed.
- Sebum also helps waterproof the top layer of the epidermis ( stratum corneum ).
- Sebaceous secretions increase at puberty.
- Sebum may trap bacteria in the pores, causing inflammation or infection (“pimples” or acne).
10
Q
What are the functions of Pia, Brain Stem and Arachnoid?
A
- The brain and Spinal cord are covered with three protective membranes, the meninges:
- Dura Mater
- Arachnoid Membrane
- Pia Mater Arachnoid Membrane
- Dura Mater (outer layer)
- Provides protection and support for the brain
- Arachnoid Membrane (middle layer)
- Middle layer of protective membrane with delicate web of tissue
- Pia Mater (inner layer)
- Lies closely over the brain and spinal cord
- Thin and vascular - Contains many blood vessels that bring oxygen and nutrients to nervous tissue
- Brain Stem
- Midbrain:
- Functions as an important reflex center
- Integrates visual and auditory reflexes midbrain
- Vital reflex (involuntary reaction) center
- Righting reflex or ability to keep head upright and maintain balance
- Involved in motor function
- Pons
- Contains nerve tracts that carry messages between cerebrum and medullae
- Respiratory centers; works with medulla to produce normal breathing rate
- Midbrain:
- Medulla (connects brain to spinal cord)
- Contains centers for many vital body functions (cardiac center, vasomotor center and respiratory center)
11
Q
Functions of the different parts and organs in the ear
A
- External ear:
- Auditory canal, eardrum or tympanic membrane
- Pinna or auricle, ceruminous glands, secrete cerumen
- Middle ear
- Have Ossicles bones: malleus, incus and stapes
- Air-filled cavity just beyond tympanic membrane in temporal bone
- Eustachian tube or auditory tube:
- Opens during swallowing or yawning to equalize the pressure in the middle ear
- Inner ear
- Oval window separates middle ear from inner ear
- Labyrinths: contain fluid like CSF
- Consists of:
- Cochlea:
- True organ of hearing
- Vestibule:
- utricle and saccule;
- relay changes in body position
- Semicircular canals:
- Shaped like horseshoes, they lie behind the cochlea and are primarily concerned with balance when the body is moving (acceleration/deceleration or head movements).
12
Q
Functions of CNS, PNS, Parasympathetic and Sympathetic
A
- Central Nervous System
- The spinal cord is the major communication pathway between the body and the brain.
- The brain interprets this information and directs body responses.
- The CNS is protected by the CSF and meninges
- The CNS encompasses the brain, spinal cord, and accessory structures.
- Peripheral Nervous System
- The peripheral nervous system is all the nerves in your body, aside from the ones in your brain and spinal cord.
- It acts as a communication relay between your brain and your extremities
- The afferent (sensory) division of the PNS conveys information to the brain , primarily from sensory organs, such as the skin.
- Muscle spindles convey information regarding posture and joint position.
- The sense of proprioception conveys awareness of where parts of the body are, in relation to space. (If you close your eyes and wave your hand, you still know where your hand is.)
- Several areas of the brain (the cerebellum and red nucleus) coordinate movements and positioning, using this proprioceptive feedback.
- The efferent (motor, descending) division of the PNS sends voluntary and involuntary commands from the CNS to muscles and stimulates glands to secrete hormones.
- Signals to muscles nearly always originate in the primary motor cortex of the frontal lobe, just in front of the central sulcus, dividing the brain’s frontal and parietal lobes.
- Sympathetic
- The sympathetic division of the ANS produces a response that prepares individuals for an emergency, extreme stress, or danger.
- This “fight or flight” response readies people to defend themselves or flee from danger.
- During an emergency, the heart beats faster and the breathing rate and blood pressure increase.
- The skin becomes pale, secondary to the diversion of blood flow to more vital organs.
- Blood flow also decreases to structures such as external genitalia and abdominal organs.
- Thus, body processes such as digestion slow or stop, allowing more blood to flow to the brain, lungs, and large muscles that move the body during an emergency.
- Involuntary defecation or urination can occur.
- The homeostatic mechanism that balances the sympathetic nervous system ( SNS ) is the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS).
- Parasympathetic
- The parasympathetic division of the ANS is involved in relaxation.
- The parasympathetic division generally produces responses that are normal functions of the body while at rest or not under unusual or extreme stress.
- The effects are usually opposite to the effects of the SNS.
- The parasympathetic system does not normally activate in a way that affects the total body.
- To return to homeostasis after a “fight or flight” episode, the parasympathetic nerves return the heart rate to normal, resume digestive processes, and restore blood flow to the skin, abdominal organs, and genitalia.
- Previously normal patterns of defecation and urination return.
13
Q
Functions of all Brain parts and Myelin Sheath
A
- Cerebrum (forebrain)
- Largest portion of the brain
- Center of conscious thought and higher mental functioning (intelligence, learning, and memory)
- Cerebral cortex
- Outer coating of the cerebrum;
- gray matter (nerve cell bodies)
- Contains convolutions (grooves) and elevations (gyri) that increase brain’s surface area
- Inner portion of the brain
- White matter
- Location of billions of connections, due to presence of dendrites and myelinated axons
- Frontal Lobe
- Located at front of the skull, forehead
- Location of higher mental processes (intelligence, motivation, mood, aggression, and planning);
- Site for verbal communication and voluntary control of skeletal muscles
- Parietal Lobe
- Between frontal and occipital lobes
- Location of skin, taste, and muscle sensations
- Speech center
- Enables formation of words to express thoughts and emotions
- Interprets textures and shapes
- Temporal Lobe
- Located at sides of the skull
- Location of sense of smell and auditory interpretation;
- Stores auditory and visual experiences;
- Forms thoughts that precede speech
- Occipital Lobe
- Located at back of the skull
- Location of eye movements
- Integrates visual experiences
- Hemispheres
- Longitudinal fissure divides the brain into right and left halves
- Corpus callosum
- Connects hemispheres internally
- Diencephalon (Interbrain)
- Located between cerebral hemispheres and brainstem
- Thalamus
- Located within cerebral hemispheres
- Central relay point for incoming nerve messages (“switching center”)
- Consolidates sensory input (especially extremes and pain)
- Influences mood and body movements;
- Associated with strong emotions
- Hypothalamus
- Located below thalamus, at base of cerebrum
- Regulates homeostasis
- Center for body temperature regulation, hunger, peristalsis, thirst and water balance, sexual response, and sleep wake cycle
- Controls heart rate and blood vessel diameter
- Influences pituitary gland secretions; controls muscles of swallowing, shivering, and urine release
- Links nervous and endocrine systems
- Associated with emotions
- Limbic system
- Consists of hippocampus and reticular formation
- Screens sensory messages to the cortex;
- Responsible for learning, long-term memory, wakefulness, and sleep;
- Basic drives, such as hunger and sexual arousal
- Cerebellum (“little brain”)
- Second largest part of the brain (part of hindbrain);
- Attached to back of brainstem, below the curve of cerebrum.
- Connected, via midbrain, to the spinal cord and motor area of the cortex
- Location of involuntary movement, coordination, muscle tone, balance, and equilibrium (semicircular canals);
- Coordinates some voluntary muscles
- Brainstem Midbrain (mesencephalon)
- Smallest and most primitive part of the brain
- Connects cerebral hemispheres with spinal cord
- Located at top of brainstem, below thalamus
- Acts as visual and auditory reflex center
- Righting reflex located here
- Pons (bridge)
- Between cerebrum and medulla
- Carries messages between cerebrum and medulla
- Acts as respiratory center to produce normal breathing patterns
- Medulla (oblongata)
- Located at floor of the skull below midbrain
- Connects brain to spinal cord Vital for life
- Descending nerve tracts from the brain cross here to the opposite side;
- Contains centers for many body functions (cardiac, vasomotor, and respiratory center; swallowing, coughing, and sneezing reflexes)
- The Myelin Sheath
- This myelin sheath electrically insulates one nerve cell from another.
- Without this sheath, these particular nerve cells would short circuit.
- Myelin is formed by the plasma membranes of specialized glial (neuroglial) cells, the Schwann cells , which provide nutrition and support.
14
Q
Causes of wrinkle, gray hair, poor wound healing and skin tightening.
A
- Wrinkles
- Loss of elasticity/collagen
- Gray Hair
- Loss of melanin
- Skin Tightening
- Increase in collagen
- Poor wound healing
- Slow circulation and improper care
15
Q
Functions of Neuron, Axon and Myelin Sheath
A
- Neuron
- Influence thinking
- Affect memory
- Regulates other organs and glands
- Many neurons make up a Nerve Classifications of neurons:
- Sensory, Motor and Interneurons
- Axon
- An extension that carries impulses away from the neuron cell body
- Myelin Sheath
- A fatty covering that electrically insulates one nerve cell from another
