Anatomy of CNS wk 9 s2

What are the three layers of the meninges?

Dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater.

What is the function of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)?

Cerebrospinal fluid cushions the brain, transports nutrients, removes waste, and helps maintain constant pressure.

Where is the cerebrospinal fluid produced?

In the lateral ventricles of the brain.

What is the purpose of the circle of Willis?

It provides a safety feature for arterial circulation in the brain, allowing blood flow from one side to another if part of the circle is blocked.

What does the term 'dura mater' mean in Latin?

Tough mother.

What is meningitis?

Inflammation of the meninges, often caused by infections.

What can cause a subarachnoid bleed?

Bleeding that occurs in the space surrounding the brain, which can compress the whole brain.

Where does the spinal cord end?

The spinal cord ends at the L1-L2 vertebral levels.

What is an epidural?

An procedure where drugs are injected into the epidural space for pain relief.

What is the relationship between the cerebrospinal fluid and the blood plasma?

Cerebrospinal fluid is similar to blood plasma but is a bit weaker.

What happens to cerebrospinal fluid over time?

It is constantly being produced and reabsorbed, with the fluid changing every eight hours.

What is the clinical significance of the meninges?

The meninges protect the brain and spinal cord, and their inflammation can lead to conditions like meningitis.

What two spaces are critical for administering a lumbar puncture?

The subarachnoid space and the area below L2.

What are gyri and sulci?

Gyri are the ridges on the brain's surface, and sulci are the grooves.

What structures make up the central nervous system?

The brain and spinal cord.

What is the role of the basal ganglia?

It is involved in the production of dopamine, which is important for movement and reward.

What separates the left and right hemispheres of the brain?

The corpus callosum.

What is the sensory cortex responsible for?

Mapping and processing sensory information from the body.

What area of the brain is responsible for motor control?

The motor cortex located in the frontal lobe.

What is Broca's area involved in?

Motor speech production.

Where does the motor cortex sit relative to the somatosensory cortex?

The motor cortex sits in front of the somatosensory cortex.

What can occur if there is a blockage in the cerebral aqueduct?

It can lead to hydrocephalus due to fluid buildup.

What two types of bleeding can occur in the brain?

Subdural and subarachnoid bleeds.

What changes in blood pressure can affect the brain?

Auto-regulation allows blood vessels to dilate or constrict to maintain blood flow.

What structure is found at the anterior end of the spinal cord?

The conus medullaris.

What part of the brain is involved in higher cognitive functions?

The frontal lobe.

How is the cerebrospinal fluid reabsorbed?

It drains into the venous system via the venous sinuses.

What role does the arachnoid mater play?

It serves as a web-like structure that holds blood vessels and is impermeable to certain fluids.

What is the function of the thalamus?

It acts as a relay station for sensory and motor signals to the cerebral cortex.

Which area of the brain is associated with visual processing?

The occipital lobe.

How does the basal ganglia affect movement?

It helps initiate and coordinate movements.

How is pain relief achieved through an epidural?

By injecting anesthetic into the epidural space, affecting nearby nerves.

Where do signs of cerebral edema present?

In increased intracranial pressure which can lead to brain herniation.

What is the significance of the medulla oblongata?

It controls vital functions such as breathing and heart rate.

What does the somatosensory homunculus depict?

The representation of sensory input from different body parts mapped onto the brain.

How does the brain maintain its oxygen supply?

Through a rich arterial blood supply that represents about 15% of cardiac output.

What process converts sensations into motor responses?

Reflex arcs and neural pathways from sensory neurons to motor neurons.

What is a lumbar puncture typically performed to analyze?

Cerebrospinal fluid for signs of meningitis or neurological conditions.

What is the role of the frontal lobe?

Involved in decision-making, planning, and voluntary motor control.

What factors determine the distribution of sensation in the body?

The area of the sensory cortex that corresponds to different body parts.

What is the difference between motor and sensory aphasia?

Motor aphasia (Broca's) affects speech production, while sensory aphasia (Wernicke's) affects comprehension.

What happens during brain plasticity?

The brain's ability to adapt and reorganize itself after injury or loss of function.

What protective mechanisms does the skull provide for the brain?

The bony structure helps protect against physical trauma and injury.

What does the Latin term 'pia mater' mean?

Soft mother.