Neuro Midterm Study Guide

How is the CNS developed?

The CNS develops through a complex series of cell divisions, migrations, and differentiations, ultimately forming the intricate network responsible for coordinating and controlling bodily functions.

CNS consists of:

Brain and spinal cord

4 structures of the brain

Brainstem, Cerebellum, Diencephalon, Cerebral Hemispheres

Brain stem

Controls basic life functions

Cerebellum

Coordination and precision of fine motor movements

Diencephalon

Consists of thalamus, subthalamus, hypothalamus, and epithalamus

Cerebral hemispheres

Control higher cortical functions; cognition and language

Different forms of glial cells

astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglial cells

Ventricles

Function: house cerebral spinal fluid

Lobes of brain

Frontal lobe, parietal lobe, temporal lobe, and occipital lobe

Brainstem

Midbrain, pons, medulla

Prefrontal cortex function

Cognition, personality, decision making, social behavior, self-awareness, planning, problem-solving, etc.

Neuropathology

Study of the nervous system diseases

Neuroanatomy

Study of the nervous system’s structure

Neurophysiology

Study of how neurons function

Anatomy

Study of the structure

Types of fibers

Projection fibers, Callosal fibers, thalamocortical fibers, and association fibers.

PNS consists of

Cranial and spinal nerves

Parasympathetic nerves

“rest and digest”

Parasympathetic features

Constrict pupils, stimulate saliva, slow heartbeat, constrict airways, stimulate the activity of the stomach, inhibit release of glucose, contract bladder

Sympathetic nerves

“fight or flight”

Sympathetic features

Dilate pupils, inhibit salivation, increase heartbeat, relax airways, inhibit activity of the stomach, stimulate the release of glucose, inhibit the activity of intestines, secrete epinephrine and norepinephrine, relax bladder

Cerebral spinal fluid

Water cushion for protection, lightens the weight of the brain, reduces waste by removing metabolic waste from nervous system, helps transport nutrients and hormones to the brain

Posterior cerebral artery

supplies the occipital lobe, the inferior part of the temporal lobe, and various deep structures including the thalamus and the posterior limb of the internal capsule

Anterior cerebral artery

supplies the medial and superior parts of the frontal lobe, and the anterior parietal lobe.

Middle cerebral artery

supplies many deep brain structures, the majority of the lateral surface of the cerebral hemispheres, and the temporal pole of the brain.

Types of cerebral vascular accidents

Ischemic stroke, Hemorrhagic stroke, Transient ischemic attack, Embolic stroke, Thrombotic stroke

Ischemic stroke

blockage of blood flow to the brain.

Hemorrhagic stroke

bleeding in the brain.

Transient Ischemic Attack

temporary disruption of blood flow to the brain.

Embolic stroke

blockage caused by a blood clot or debris traveling to the brain.

Thrombotic stroke

blockage caused by a blood clot forming in an artery supplying the brain.

Ischemic vs. hemorrhagic

Ischemic stroke is due to the loss of blood supply to an area of the brain. Hemorrhagic stroke is due to bleeding into the brain by the rupture of a blood vessel.

Layers of the meninges

The delicate inner layer is the pia mater.

The middle layer is the arachnoid, a web-like structure filled with fluid that cushions the brain.

The tough outer layer is called the dura mater.

Afferent

transports information to CNS

Efferent

transports information from the brain to the rest of the body