Week 6: Neuro Flashcards
What are the major functions of each of the four major regions of the brain?
Frontal lobe: primary motor cortex
Parietal lobe: primary somatosensory cortex
Temporal: primary auditory cortex
Occipital: primary visual cortex + visual association cortex to interpret the meaning of visual experiences
What is the primary role of the primary motor cortex?
important for precise movement of hands, feet and phonation (speech)
What is the primary role of the somatosensory cortex?
perceives meaningfulness of integrated sensory inputs
What is the role of the hypothalamus?
controls homeostatic processes in the body - water balance, hunger-satiety cycle, metabolism, temperature
Major functions of the brain stem?
respiratory control center, cardiovascular control center, vasomotor center
What is the role of the reticular activating system (RAS)?
maintains behavioral arousal, consciousness, and motivation
What is the role of the cerebellum?
skeletal muscle activity; balance & equilibrium
How does bone function to protect the CNS?
brain and spinal cord are enclosed in the skull and vertebral column that offer protection
How do the meninges protect the CNS?
three connective tissue membranes that protect CNS structures
What are the three meningeal layers?
Dura mater: double layer membrane surrounding the brain
Arachnoid mater: threadlike extensions span subarachnoid space and attach to the pia mater
Pia mater: clings tightly to the surface of brain and spinal cord
How does CSF protect the CNS?
watery broth in ventricles that provides a cushion
How does the blood brain barrier protect the CNS?
provides separation between blood and neurons - relatively impermeable capillaries
Allows for passage of key nutrients: water, glucose, essential amino acids; excludes unwanted molecules
General organization of nerves in the spinal cord
cervical (C1-C5), brachial (C5-T1), thoracic (T1-T12), lumbar (L1-L4), sacral (L4-S5)
Where do we sample CSF?
L3/L4
Posterior region of the spinal cord contains which tract(s)?
ascending/sensory tracts
Anterolateral sections of the spinal cord contains which tract(s)?
ascending/sensory & descending/motor information
Definition, causes and symptoms of TBI
Head injury and subsequent damage to brain, possibly cranial nerves
Causes: falls, vehicular accidents, violence
Symptoms: dependent on if it is diffuse or local, the severity and the part of the brain involved
Definition and causes of cerebrovascular disease
vascular injuries such as stroke that may present with similar clinical manifestations as TBI
Causes: hypertension and hyperlipidemia
What is the role of the Circle of Willis?
protective circulation system that facilitates blood flow to the brain, allows collateral flow if a portion of the brain is disrupted
Define spinal cord injury
injuries to cranial nerves that often accompany TBIs
What conditions do seizures accompany?
many neuro conditions including TBIs and CVD
Define consciousness
state of awareness and orientation to surroundings, ability to respond to stimuli
determined by the RAS
What tool is used to determine level of consciousness?
Glasgow Coma Scale
Define concussion - injury severity and reversibility, symptoms (5)
caused by sudden movement of brain, most common form of TBI
Severity: Diffuse
Reversibility: Typically reversible
Symptoms: Associated with temporary LOC, change in resp, hypotension, bradycardia and amnesia
What is a contusion and is it reversible?
bruising of brain tissue, small petechial hemorrhages that leak into brain tissue
Reversibility: Partially reversible, depending on severity of injury
Define closed vs. open injury
Closed injury: skull intact
Open injury: skull fracture
Define primary vs. secondary brain injury
Primary brain injury: structural damage at the moment of trauma to neurons, glial cells, blood vessels
Secondary brain injury: consequence of response to injury: changes to blood flow, edema and subsequent ICP which can lead to cell death or herniation - worsens the primary injury
Definition and major consequence: hypoxia and ischemic injury
result from decreased oxygen availability in the brain tissue
Consequence: reduces availability of glucose and removal of waste products
Cerebral edema: definition and causes (2)
swelling of the brain due to accumulation of fluids
Causes: damage to BBB or inadequate waste removal
Definition and major consequence: increased ICP
results from fluid accumulation due to inflammatory or edematous processes
resultant reduction in tissue perfusion can lead to hypoxia and neuronal death, can lead to herniation (often into brain stem area)