Unit 3 Chapter 13 (Central Nervous System) Flashcards
Describe the protective structures that surround the brain and spinal cord
-three layers of membranes known as the meninges
-pia mater is inner layer (delicate)
-arachnoid is middle layer (web-like)
-dura mater is the outer layer (tough)
Define meningitis
-meningitis is the inflammation of the meninges, causes infections via bacteria or virus
Define cerebrovascular accident
-cerebrovascular accident is a loss of neurological function caused by an interruption of blood flow to a region of the central nervous system; stroke
Describe the blood-brain barrier
-the blood-brain barrier is a physiological barrier that keeps many substances that circulate in the rest of the body from getting into the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), restricting what can cross from circulating blood into the CNS
Describe cerebrospinal fluid including:
▪ Functions
▪ Formation
▪ Circulation from sites of production to return into the blood stream
-functions are circulatory medium within the CNS, filtering the blood, cushions CNS from injury, provide nutrients
-formation is produced by ependymal cells in the choroid
plexus
-circulation starts at the choroid plexus in the four ventricles produce CSF, which is circulated through the ventricular system and then enters the subarachnoid space through the median and lateral apertures. The CSF is then reabsorbed into the blood at the arachnoid granulations, where the arachnoid membrane emerges into the dural sinuses.
Describe hydrocephalus
-hydrocephalus is a neurological disorder caused by an abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricles (cavities) deep within the brain.
-The excess fluid causes the ventricles to widen, putting harmful pressure on the brain’s tissues.
Describe the composition and general function of tracts
-tracts are a bundle of nerve fibers (axons) connecting nuclei of the central nervous system
-tracts carry sensory information from the body, up the spinal cord to the brain and they carry motor information from the brain, down the spinal cord to the body
Describe commissural tracts
-type of white matter tract that cross the midline, connecting the same cortical area in opposite hemispheres
Describe association tracts
-type of white matter tract that connects different areas in the same hemisphere
Describe projection tracts
-type of white matter tract that connects the cortex with other areas in the CNS
Define basal nuclei and describe their general function
-basal nuclei are a set of nuclei deep in the cerebrum/white matter responsible for comparing cortical processing with the general state of activity in the nervous system to influence the likelihood of movement taking place
-functions are motor control (Parkinson’s disease) , as well as other roles such as motor learning, executive functions and behaviors, and emotions.
Primary somatosensory area: location and function
-parietal lobe
-processing afferent somatosensory input and contributes to the integration of sensory and motor signals necessary for skilled movement
Primary visual area: location and function
-occipital lobe
-receive, segment, and integrate visual information
Primary motor area: location and function
-frontal lobe
-generate signals to direct the movement of the body
Broca’s area: location and function
-frontal lobe
-associated with speech production and articulation
Wernicke’s area: location and function
-posterior end of later sulcus
-speech comprehension
Somatosensory association area: location and function
-parietal lobe
-influences motor activity
Visual association area: location and function
-occipital lobe
-processes vision
Auditory association area: location and function
-temporal lobe
-responsible for processing acoustic signals that the brain interprets as sounds, speech or music
Define Alzheimer’s disease
-the most common type of dementia that begins with mild memory loss and possibly leading to loss of the ability to carry on a conversation and respond to the environment
Distinguish between Alzheimer’s and Vascular dementia
-vascular dementia is associated with a reduction in blood flow to the brain. People with Alzheimer’s disease will have deposits of toxic amyloid and tau protein plaques in their brain resulting in loss of brain matter.
Describe hemispheric lateralization.
-the left and right sides of the brain are specialized to attend to different information, to process sensory inputs in different ways and to control different types of motor behavior
Describe decussation in the medulla oblongata and its effect on nervous system function
-where the majority of the motor fibers from the motor cortex in the cerebrum decussate in the medulla and form the lateral corticospinal tract in the spinal cord
-plays a critical role in transmitting signals between the spinal cord and the higher parts of the brain and in controlling autonomic activities, such as heartbeat and respiration
Explain the role of the reticular formation
serves as a major integration and relay center for many vital brain systems to coordinate functions necessary for survival
Distinguish between concussion and contusion
-concussion: more widespread brain trauma from a blow to the head or swift shaking
-contusion: a bruise and also bleeding on the brain due to localized trauma
Define encephalitis
-an inflammation of the brain, caused by infection or an allergic reaction
Explain the role of the limbic system
-a collection of structures involved in emotion, memory,
and behavior, especially when it comes to behaviors needed for survival
Explain how emotions can have real effects on the body
-when you are stressed, anxious, or upset, your body reacts physically. Examples include high blood pressure or stomach ulcer
Describe the location and function of spinal cord tracts
-mainly in the dorsal gray horn; responsible for carrying sensory and motor stimuli to and from the periphery
