VETM 3010 Pathology of the Nervous System

These flashcards summarize key concepts, terms, and mechanisms related to the pathology of the nervous system as covered in the VETM 3010 lecture.

Dysfunction/Responses to Injury

Understanding various responses and dysfunctions resulting from injury to the nervous system.

Acute Neuronal Necrosis

Characterized by energy failure due to hypoxia, leading to ATP generation collapse in neurons.

Excitotoxicity

A mechanism where excessive glutamate release leads to neighboring neuron damage through calcium overload.

Neuronophagia

The process of phagocytic cells consuming dead neurons during the cleanup phase of neuronal injury.

Chronic Neuronal Loss

A slow degeneration process often observed in neurodegenerative diseases, resulting in gradual neuron death.

Wallerian Degeneration

The degeneration of the part of an axon that is disconnected from the cell body, leading to loss of function.

Regeneration in PNS vs CNS

In the PNS, regeneration is efficient due to the intact endoneurial tube and assistance from Schwann cells, while in the CNS, regeneration often fails due to inhibitory factors.

Chromatolysis

A regenerative response in neuronal cell bodies indicating metabolic stress and preparation for protein synthesis.

Astrocytosis

The increase in the number of astrocytes as a response to CNS injury, leading to glial scar formation.

Oligodendrocyte Responses

Includes morphological changes like hypertrophy and degeneration, often leading to demyelination in the CNS.

Cerebral Oedema

Accumulation of fluid in the brain leading to increased intracranial pressure, categorized into several types.

Vasogenic Oedema

A type of edema caused by increased permeability of the blood-brain barrier, allowing fluid escape into the brain tissue.

Hypo-osmotic Oedema

Caused by low blood salt concentration, leading to fluid accumulation in brain tissue due to osmotic shifts.

Hematogenous Spread

The method by which pathogens enter the nervous system through the bloodstream, often by crossing the blood-brain barrier.

Congenital Hydrocephalus

Abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid due to disruption in production, flow, or absorption, affecting brain tissue.

Equine Encephalomyelitis

A viral disease in horses caused by alphaviruses, leading to severe inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.

Meningiomas

Primary tumors arising from the meninges that compress neural tissue, commonly seen in cats and dogs.

Thiamine Deficiency

A metabolic disorder in animals leading to polioencephalomalacia due to lack of thiamine, often associated with certain plants.

Rabies

A viral disease characterized by neurotropic effects, causing encephalitis and often seen with distinct clinical phases.

Toxoplasma gondii

A protozoan parasite with a multisystemic influence, especially damaging to the nervous system in animals.

Prion Diseases

Neurodegenerative disorders caused by misfolded proteins (prions) that lead to progressive neuronal dysfunction.

Acquired Hydrocephalus

A condition arising postnatally associated with blockage of cerebrospinal fluid flow, leading to increased intracranial pressure.

Glial Scar

A reactive scar formed by astrocytes following CNS injury, which often impedes regeneration.