Supporting Systems of the Brain and Spinal Cord Flashcards
What are the layers of connective tissue that cover the brain and spinal cord called?
Meninges
Meninges protect the brain from ____ and ____.
Contusion
Infection
List the meninges from outermost to innermost layers.
Dura mater
Subarachnoid Mater
Pia Mater
What separates the dura mater from the subarachnoid mater?
Subdural space
What separates the subarachnoid mater from the pia mater?
Subarachnoid space
The pia mater forms the _____ in the ______ system.
Forms the CHOROID PLEXUS in the VENTRICULAR system
What is meningitis?
Inflammation of the meninges of the brain and spinal cord
What are 6 signs and symptoms of meningitis that a PT must be aware of? (6)
- Fever, headache, vomiting
- Complaints of stiff and painful neck, nuchal rigidity
- Pain in the lumbar area and posterior thigh
- Brudzinski’s sign (flexion of the neck facilitates flexion of the hips and knees)
- Kernig’s sign (pain with hip flexion combined with knee extension)
- Sensitivity to light
What is the gold standard for diagnosis meningitis?
Lumbar puncture
What is the epidural space?
The space between the skull and the outer dura mater
How many ventricles are in the brain?
4
What structure is responsible for making CSF and where is it located?
Choroid plexus located in the ventricles
What conditions can arise as a result of excess CSF in the brain or the spinal cord?
Hydrocephalus (brain)
Syringomyelia (spinal cord)
What structures make up the blood brain barrier? (3)
Meninges
Protective glial cells
Capillary beds
The spinal cord runs from the ______ to the ______.
Foramen magnum
Conus medullaris
