Patho CH 10: Altered Neural Function Flashcards
fundamental functional unit of the cell
neuron
filled with cytoplasm and contains organelles, including the nucleus, that support the metabolic demands of the cell.
cell body/soma
multiple, branched extensions of the cell body that transmit impulses to the cell body
dendrites
carries impulses away from the cell body
axon
carry impulses from receptors in the periphery to the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord)
Sensory neurons/afferent neurons
carry signals away from the brain and spinal cord to targets in the body that regulate activity.
Motor neurons/efferent neurons
most abundant neuron type
provide connections between neurons, transmitting signals between afferent and efferent neurons.
interneuron
has insulating properties to increase speed of nerve impulses
myelin
electrical events that travel along the entire neuron by allowing charged ions to flood through channels in the semipermeable membrane around the neuron.
action potential
the difference in electrical charge between the inside and outside of the cell.
membrane potential
3 components of action potential in the neuron
- resting membrane potential
- depolarization phase
- repolarization phase
transmit impulses by passing current-carrying ions through small openings known as gap junctions.
electrical synapses
involve specific structures important for impulses stimulated by neurotransmitters, chemicals affecting the function of nearby cells.
chemical synapses
contain neurotransmitters packaged in vesicles, mitochondria, and other cellular organelles
Presynaptic terminals
3 major types of neurotransmitters
- Amino acids (e.g., glutamic acid and gamma-aminobutyric acid [GABA])
- Peptides (e.g., endorphins, enkephalins, substance P)
- Monoamines (e.g., serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine
components of the CNS
brain and spinal cord
mechanisms of injury to the CNS:
trauma
ischemia
excitatory response to neurotransmitters
pressure
possible causes of TBIs
automobile accidents
falls
sports
‘shaken baby syndrome’
demographic at highest risk for TBI
65 and up
children 5-24 = ATV
children 0-4 = assault
the force of the acceleration impact causes injury to the tissue in the local area, and the deceleration impact leads to injury on the opposite side of the skull
coup–contrecoup injuries
TBI may lead to what complications:
seizure
concussion
contusion
hematoma
edema
skull fracture
leading causes of SCIs
MTV accidents
acts of violence
most common SCIs happen in what parts of spinal cord
C5-C7
T12
L1
SCI responses
paresthesia - abnormal sensation
quadriplegia - paralysis of all four extremities