section 2, part 2 internal anatomy Flashcards
list 3 things that can cause the BBB to break down
- brain tumors
- bacterial invasion
- ischemia (most common cause)
explain what the pathology of a stroke stems from
from loss of tissue oxygenation but also from introduction of toxins to the brain and from ion fluxes (because the BBB has been broken down)
in ischemia, why is there swelling in the brain?
because ischemia directly damages Na+ and K+ pumps, so there is ionic influx–> cells fill with water–> brain swelling
how does CSF decrease the weight of the brain on the skull
by giving the brain buoyancy
what is the total volume of CSF?
140 mL
what is the average rate of CSF formation /day
500 ml/day
entire volume of CSF is turned over 3-4 times/day
CSF is primarly secreted by___?
the choroid plexus
what type of epithelium surrounds the choroid plexus?
cuboidal or columnar epithelium
CSF is in equilibrium with what?
the brain extracellular fluid
compared to the blood plasma, is CSF more or less acidic?
more acidic
what color should the CSF be?
clear with no RBCs and few or no WBCs
where is the choroid plexus found?
- floor of the inferior horn
- body of the lateral ventricle
- roof of 3rd ventricle
- inferior part of the roof of the 4th ventricle
where is the CSF made (which ventricle)?
in the lateral ventricle and roof of 3rd ventricle
how does most CSF exit the 4th ventricle?
through 3 foramina:
foramen of magendie (middle)
foramina of luschka (1 on either side of magendie)
where are the arachnoid villi located?
in the walls of the dural sinuses. this is where the majority of the CSF is absorbed into the venous system
what could cause an obstructing or non-communicating hydrocephalus
a tumor that blocks the flow of CSF
which place is most common for a CSF blockage?
wherever the ventricular system narrows
intraventricular foramen, cerebral aqueduct or at the outlet of 4th ventricle
what causes communicating hydrocephalus?
when the arachnoid villi are disease and absorption fails
where can increased intracranial pressure be seen?
when inspecting the fundus of the eye with an ophthalmoscope
the retinal vessels of optic nerve are engorged and optic nerve is dilated
(papilledema)
what are some additional symptoms of increased intracranial pressure?
headache N/V cognitive impairment decreased level of consciousness impair vision and 6th nerve palsies
if increased intracranial pressure causes the frontal lobe function to be impaired, what is common symptom?
characteristic unsteady gait where the feet barely leave the floor (magnetic gait) as well as incontinence