U9

Question 1

What are the main protective structures of the CNS?

Answer 1

Cranium, meninges, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and the blood-brain barrier.

Question 2

What are the three fossae in the cranial cavity?

Answer 2

Anterior, middle, and posterior fossae.

Question 3

What is the innermost layer of the meninges?

Answer 3

Pia mater.

Question 4

What is the outermost layer of the meninges?

Answer 4

Dura mater.

Question 5

What is the arachnoid membrane?

Answer 5

A soft, spongey layer with arachnoid trabeculae.

Question 6

What is the function of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)?

Answer 6

Acts as a shock-absorber for the brain and spinal cord.

Question 7

Where is CSF produced?

Answer 7

In the choroid plexus of all four ventricles.

Question 8

What is obstructive hydrocephalus?

Answer 8

Blockage of CSF flow causing increased pressure in the ventricles.

Question 9

How is obstructive hydrocephalus treated?

Answer 9

By inserting a shunt to drain excess CSF into the abdomen.

Question 10

What is the superior sagittal sinus?

Answer 10

A dural venous sinus that drains CSF into the venous blood supply.

Question 11

What is the role of the dural venous sinuses?

Answer 11

Draining venous blood and old CSF from the brain.

Question 12

What are the two main types of strokes?

Answer 12

Haemorrhagic and ischemic strokes.

Question 13

What causes a haemorrhagic stroke?

Answer 13

Bleeding in the brain from a burst blood vessel.

Question 14

What causes an ischemic stroke?

Answer 14

Blocked blood flow due to a clot or embolus.

Question 15

What is the blood-brain barrier?

Answer 15

A selective barrier that prevents harmful substances from entering the CNS.

Question 16

What is the area postrema?

Answer 16

A brain region that detects toxins and triggers vomiting.

Question 17

What is the dura mater composed of?

Answer 17

A tough, durable fibrous membrane.

Question 18

What are arachnoid granulations?

Answer 18

Structures that reabsorb CSF into the venous blood.

Question 19

What is a subdural haematoma?

Answer 19

Bleeding in the space between the dura mater and arachnoid.

Question 20

What is an extradural/epidural haematoma?

Answer 20

Bleeding between the dura mater and the cranium.

Question 21

What is the primary function of the cranium?

Answer 21

To provide support and protection for the brain.

Question 22

What is meningitis?

Answer 22

Inflammation of the meninges caused by infection.

Question 23

What is the flow of CSF in the ventricular system?

Answer 23

From lateral ventricles to the third, through the cerebral aqueduct to the fourth ventricle, and into the subarachnoid space.

Question 24

What is the role of the falx cerebri?

Answer 24

Separates the cerebral hemispheres within the dura mater.

Question 25

What is the role of the tentorium cerebelli?

Answer 25

Separates the cerebellum from the cerebral hemispheres.

Question 26

What are the two main arteries supplying the brain?

Answer 26

Internal carotid arteries and vertebral arteries.

Question 27

What happens if the brain’s blood supply is disrupted for a few minutes?

Answer 27

Permanent damage occurs.

Question 28

How does the blood-brain barrier function?

Answer 28

It uses transporter proteins to control substance flow into the CNS.

Question 29

Why is the brain’s blood supply constant?

Answer 29

To maintain oxygenation and prevent neuronal damage.

Question 30

What is the composition of CSF?

Answer 30

A clear fluid that cushions the brain and spinal cord.