Wk 3 N - Structures Flashcards
Neuroaxis
Runs right up the middle of the spinal cord and into the middle of the brain.
Superior
AKA Dorsal - Means towards the top. In humans it is the back, until 90 degree turn, then it is on the top of the head.
Inferior
AKA Ventral - Means towards the bottom. In humans, it is along the chest.
Anterior
AKA Rostral - Means towards the front. If looking at someone face to face, anterior would be their face (i.e., the end of the neuroaxis)
Posterior
AKA Caudal - Towards the back. If looking at someone face to face, posterior would be their feet (i.e., bottom of neuroaxis).
Medial
Towards the middle. Arrows going into their ears.
Lateral
Towards the side. Arrows coming out of the ears.
Ipsilateral
Ips = Same side as something
Contralateral
Contra = On a different side
Afferent
PATHWAYS - Coming IN, any receiving projections.
Efferent
PATHWAYS - Going AWAY from or projecting information away from the brain.
What are all sensory pathways (afferent or efferent?)
Afferent!
What are all motor responses/muscle contractions (afferent or efferent?)
Efferent!
Describe a transverse cut
Cut the persons face off; also called transverse, frontal, coronal.
Describe a horizontal cut
Scalp them
Describe a sagittal cut
Cut the person down the middle, between the eyes, to see one of the lobes. Open them like a wardrobe.
What makes up the Central Nervous System?
Brain and spinal cord! Any part of the nervous system inside of a bone.
What makes up the Peripheral Nervous System?
Cranial nerves, spinal nerves, and peripheral ganglia
How much blood does the brain receive/use?
20% of blood volume. It continuously receives this amount even though blood flow to other parts of the body varies depending on the need/activity.
Why does the brain need blood?
Because neurons are very high energy and cannot store glucose (requires O2 to extract glucose), they need a regularly supply of blood to function.
How long can a brain go without blood?
Must have continuous supply. Permanent brain damage can occur after 5mins without blood.
What happens when blood leaks from the vessel?
Blood is toxic to the brain if it escapes the vessel. An aneurysm can occur when the walls are too thin. It’s like a balloon that pops.
Meninges
Tough, protective membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord. They give the brain support and provide a structure for some other systemic features.
How many layers does the meninges have? What are they?
THREE! Dura mater, arachnoid, (subarachnoid space goes here), and pia mater.
