Neurosurgery Flashcards
Name the two structural divisions of the nervous system, and briefly describe each
CNS: brain & spinal cord
PNS: cranial & spinal nerves
Name the eight bones which form the cranium
- Frontal
- Occipital
- Ethmoid
- Sphenoid
- Temporal (x2)
- Parietal (x2)
What is the foramen magnum?
Largest opening in the skull, provides passage for the spinal cord to join the brainstem in the posterior fossa
Name and describe the three meningeal membranes and their relationship to the skull and brain
Dura mater: in direct contact with the cranium
Arachnoid space: a web like space
Pia mater: in direct contact with the surface of the brain
Name the principal lobes of the cerebrum (4)
- Frontal
- Parietal
- Temporal
- Occipital
What three structures comprise the brainstem?
- Midbrain
- pons
- Oblongata
Describe the ventricular system of the brain, and trace the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the sites of production of the sites of absorption
- choroid plexus, lateral ventricles
- foramen of Monroe, 3rd ventricle
- aqueduct of Sylvius
- 4th ventricle
- foramen Magendie/Luschka
- sub arachnoid space brain/spinal cord
- reabsorbed venous sinus blood via arachnoid granulation a
Where (what structure and ventricles) is most CSF formed/produced?
Choroid Plexuses/ Lateral ventricle
Where is most CSF absorbed (site and structures)?
By fingerlike projections of the arachnoid that project into the dural sinuses called arachnoid villi
What is the average volume of CSF in a healthy adult?
125-150mL
What is the average pressure of CSF in a healthy adult?
8-14mmHg millimeters mercury
How many vertebrae are there in the spinal column?
*33* (7 cervical) (12 thoracic) (5 lumbar) (5 sacral) (4 coccygeal)
How many spinal nerves are there in the spinal column?
*31* (8 cervical) (12 thoracic) (5 lumbar) (5 sacral) (1 coccygeal)
At what vertebral level does the spinal cord terminate?
L1-L3; conus medullaris
Briefly describe the caudal equina
downward facing nerves following end of spinal cord
(Lumbar 2-5)
(Sacral 1-5)
(Coccygeal 1)
Name the 5 paraspinal ligaments
- Anterior Longitudinal: runs the length of the column, along the anterior vertebral bodies
- Posterior Longitudinal: runs the length of the column, along the posterior vertebral bodies
- Ligamentum Flavum: binds the laminae of adjacent vertebrae
- Interspinal Ligament: binds the spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae
- Supraspinal Ligament: runs the entire length of the column, along the posterior spinous processes
Name two functional divisions of the nervous system
- somatic (voluntary)
- autonomic (involuntary
what is the subarachnoid space?
CSF filled space between arachnoid mater and pia mater
describe anatomy of an intervertebral disk?
- annulus: fibrous, outer portion
- nucleus pulposus: fluid filled, innermost (jelly donut)
briefly describe the anatomy of a ruptured intervertebral disk
radial fissuring of annulus allowing nucleus pulposus to escape
describe how ruptured intervertebral disk produces symptoms
nucleus pulposus extends into epidural space causing nerve root compression and radiculopathy (pain from pressure/traction on nerve roots)
cranial nerves 1-12
- olfactory
- optic
- oculomotor
- trochlear
- trigeminal
- abducens
- facial
- acoustic
- glossopharyngeal
- vagus
- spinal accessory
- hypoglossal
which cranial nerve is responsible for sight?
optic
2nd cranial nerve
which cranial nerve is responsible for sense of balance
acoustic
8th cranial nerve