Assessment of the Neurological System

These flashcards cover key concepts, terms, and definitions related to the assessment of the neurological system.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

The part of the nervous system that includes the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Consists of all the nerve fibers outside of the brain and spinal cord, including cranial and spinal nerves.

Cerebral Cortex

The outer layer of the brain, responsible for complex functions such as perception, thought, and voluntary movement.

Frontal Lobe

Part of the cerebral cortex associated with personality, behavior, emotions, and intellectual function.

Broca’s Area

A region in the frontal lobe that mediates motor aspects of speech.

Postcentral Gyrus

The primary center for sensation located in the parietal lobe.

Occipital Lobe

The region of the brain that serves as the primary visual receptor center.

Wernicke’s Area

A region in the temporal lobe associated with language comprehension.

Basal Ganglia

Gray matter structures in the cerebral hemispheres that are involved in the regulation of movement.

Thalamus

The main relay station of the brain where sensory pathways synapse.

Hypothalamus

A brain region involved in controlling autonomic functions and homeostasis, including the HPA axis.

Cerebellum

The part of the brain responsible for motor coordination and balance.

Brainstem

The central core of the brain, containing important life-sustaining functions.

Reflexes

Involuntary responses to stimuli that protect the body, allowing quick reactions to potentially harmful situations.

Primitive Reflexes

Automatic behaviors present at birth, potentially indicating CNS dysfunction if they persist.

Atrophy

The loss of neuron structure in the brain and spinal cord, often associated with aging.

Stroke

A medical condition that occurs when blood supply to the brain is interrupted, resulting in loss of brain function.

Dysphagia

Difficulty swallowing, which can be a symptom of neurological issues.

Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)

A scale used to assess a person's level of consciousness based on eye, verbal, and motor responses.

Cranial Nerves

Twelve pairs of nerves that emerge directly from the brain and are responsible for sensory and motor functions.

Deep tendon reflexes (DTR)

Muscle contraction responses to the direct and indirect percussion of a tendon, indicating neurological function.