1._Neurologic_Exam_-_Answers

Cerebrum

Part of the brain responsible for voluntary movement, behavior, and cognitive functions.

What type of olesion may you have if the patient has difficulty regulating their body temp?

Forebrain (cerebral cortex lesion)

thalamus/hypothalamus dysfunction

CS of a brainstem lesion

depression/altered mentation; depressed resp system

Cortex (thalamus/hypothalamus)

Outer layer of the cerebrum involved in sensory perception, motor control, and higher cognitive functions.

behavior; cognitive function; generation of movement; temp regulation

intracranial

referring to an area within the brain (e.g. cerebrum)

extracranial

referring to an area outside the brain

Lower Motor Neuron Weakness

A type of weakness caused by damage to lower motor neurons, leading to profound muscle atrophy, reduced reflexes, and decreased muscle tone.

flaccid; fasciculations present

Cerebral Dz

seizures, blindness, dementia, delirium, mild ataxia or weakness

Cerebellar Dz

Hypermetria; intention tremors, weakness

Brainstem Dz

gait deficits; altered consciousness, tetraparesis

Upper Motor Neuron Weakness

a type of weakness resulting from damage to the upper motor neurons, characterized by increased muscle tone and reflexes.

spasticity; increase tone; exaggerated reflex response

minimal muscle atrophy; absent fasciculations

Types of Fibers that make up the oculomotor nerve (controls pupillary dilation & globe position

VE, (SE in birds)

Fiber Types that make up the Vagus nerve

Governs heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate, abducts arytenoids.

The vagus nerve is composed of both afferent and efferent somatic and visceral fibers, including parasympathetic fibers that regulate autonomic functions.

Symptoms of Facial nerve paralysis

include weakness or paralysis of facial muscles on one side, drooping of the mouth or eyelid, and loss of the ability to close the eye.

Palpebral Reflex

A reflex that tests the function of the eyelid muscles and the trigeminal nerve by eliciting a blink response when the eyelids are touched.

CN 5, CN 7

Governs over both the Autonomic & Somatic NS’s

PNS

RAS (Reticular Activating System)

part of the brain stem

Cerebellum

Region of the brain that coordinates voluntary movements and maintains posture and balance.

Brainstem

Connects the brain to the spinal cord; responsible for vital life functions and the origin of cranial nerves.

Contains RAS system-responsible for arousal & attention.

regulatory functions like heart rate and breathing.

4 Players of the CNS

The four main components of the central nervous system, including the brain (contains thalamus/hypothalamus), spinal cord, cerebellum, and brainstem.

Spinal cord

A tubular structure that extends from the brainstem and transmits signals between the brain and the rest of the body.

Reticular activating system (RAS)

A network in the brainstem responsible for arousal and regulating wakefulness.

Cranial nerves

Nerves that emerge directly from the brain, responsible for sensory and motor functions in the head and neck.

Lower motor neurons

Neurons that connect the central nervous system to skeletal muscles and are responsible for motor control.

Neuron starts in the CNS & projects into PNS

Central nervous system (CNS)

Consists of the brain and spinal cord; responsible for processing and integrating information.

Peripheral nervous system (PNS)

Includes all the nerves outside the CNS; responsible for transmitting sensory and motor messages.

Includes: CN 1 through 12; LMNs, Spinal nn.; Nociceptors, and NMJs

Afferent pathways

Sensory pathways that carry information into the CNS.

Efferent pathways

Motor pathways that carry information from the CNS to muscles and glands.

Somatic nervous system

Part of the PNS that controls voluntary movements and sensory information (sensory & motor)

Autonomic nervous system

Part of the PNS that controls involuntary bodily functions.

Contains visceral sensory and motor fibers

Sympathetic nervous system

Division of the autonomic nervous system responsible for the 'fight or flight' response.

Parasympathetic nervous system

Division of the autonomic nervous system responsible for 'rest and digest' activities.

Upper motor neuron (UMN)

Neurons that originate in the brain and transmit impulses to lower motor neurons.

entire neuron within CNS

Lower motor neuron (LMN)

Neurons that originate in the spinal cord or brainstem and directly innervate muscle.

Vestibular system

Part of the inner ear and brain that helps control balance and eye movements.

Withdrawal reflex

A reflex that causes the body to retract from a painful stimulus.

Patellar reflex

A knee jerk reflex that tests the function of the femoral nerve.

Cutaneous trunci reflex

A reflex that tests the sensation of the skin along the back; important in assessing spinal cord function.

Proprioception

The sense of body position and movement, detected by proprioceptors in muscles and joints.

Mental status evaluation

Assessment of a patient's awareness and responsiveness to their environment.

Nociception

The sensory process that provides signals that trigger pain.

Cranial nerve assessment

Evaluating the function of cranial nerves, which is crucial for neurological examination.

Neurolocalization

The process of identifying the specific area of the nervous system associated with clinical signs.

Clinical signs

Observable symptoms that indicate a disease or condition.

Menace response

A reflex response of blinking or withdrawal when an object approaches the eye.

Dazzle reflex

A contraction of the pupil when exposed to bright light, indicating an intact visual pathway.

Ataxia

Lack of muscle coordination during voluntary movements.

Hypermetria

Exaggerated movement or overreaching of limbs, often seen in cerebellar disease.

Opisthotonus

An abnormal posture characterized by severe hyperextension of the spine and neck.

Mydriasis

Dilated pupils that may indicate neurological damage or other medical conditions.

Ptosis

Drooping of the upper eyelid, which can signify cranial nerve dysfunction.

Dementia

A decline in cognitive function that affects memory, thinking, and social abilities.

Sensation

The perception of stimuli in the environment through sensory pathways.

Dystocia

Difficult or abnormal labor during childbirth, often leading to complications.

Lameness

An abnormal gait, often due to pain or injury in the limbs.

Clinical correlate

Connecting observed clinical signs and symptoms to underlying anatomical or physiological causes.

Spinal reflexes

Reflex actions mediated by the spinal cord without direct involvement of the brain.

Neuroanatomy

The study of the structure and organization of the nervous system.

Neurological examination

A comprehensive evaluation of the nervous system's functions and structures.

Cranial nerve I

Olfactory nerve, responsible for the sense of smell.

Cranial nerve II

Optic nerve, responsible for vision.

Cranial nerve III

Oculomotor nerve, controls most extraocular movements and pupil constriction.

Cranial nerve IV

Trochlear nerve, responsible for innervating the superior oblique muscle of the eye.

Cranial nerve V

Trigeminal nerve, responsible for sensation in the face and motor functions such as biting and chewing.

Cranial nerve VI

Abducent nerve, responsible for lateral eye movement.

Cranial nerve VII

Facial nerve, innervates muscles of facial expression and provides taste sensations.

Cranial nerve VIII

Vestibulocochlear nerve, responsible for hearing and balance.

Cranial nerve IX

Glossopharyngeal nerve, involved in taste and swallowing.

Cranial nerve X

Vagus nerve, controls heart rate, digestive tract, and other involuntary functions.

Cranial nerve XI

Spinal accessory nerve, controls shoulder and neck muscles.

Cranial nerve XII

Hypoglossal nerve, controls tongue movements.