Neurology Lecture Notes

Flashcards based on lecture notes about the brain and nervous system.

What are the four hollow spaces in the brain that connect with each other and the subarachnoid space?

Ventricles

What clear, colorless fluid fills the ventricles and circulates throughout the ventricles and subarachnoid space?

Cerebrospinal fluid

What are the functions of cerebrospinal fluid?

Shock absorber, carries nutrients, removes metabolic products and wastes

What are the two main divisions of the Peripheral Nervous System?

Somatic and Autonomic Nervous Systems

What are the components of the Somatic Nervous System?

12 pairs of cranial nerves and 31 branches of spinal nerves

What are some functions of the cranial nerves?

Special senses (sight, hearing, taste, smell), touch, pressure, pain, involuntary impulses, and voluntary muscle control

Where is the midbrain located?

Below the cerebrum and the top of the brainstem

What are the functions of the midbrain?

Impulses between brain parts and certain eye and auditory reflexes

Where is the pons located?

Below the midbrain in the brain stem

What are the functions of the pons?

Conducting messages to other parts of the brain, reflex actions including chewing, tasting, saliva production, and assisting with respiration

What are the functions of the medulla oblongata?

Regulating heartbeat, respiration, swallowing, coughing, and blood pressure

What protects the spinal cord?

Vertebrae

What are the functions of the spinal cord?

Many reflex actions and for carrying afferent and efferent messages

What are the three membranes that cover and protect the brain?

Dura mater, arachnoid layer, and pia mater

What is the function of the autonomic nervous system?

Helps maintain balance and involuntary functions, allows the body to react in emergency times

What are the symptoms of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)?

Muscle weakness, abnormal reflexes, tripping and falling, difficulty of hand and arm movement, difficulty speaking and swallowing

What is the cause of carpal tunnel syndrome?

Swelling in the wrists puts pressure on tendons, Median nerve is compressed at the wrist

Is cerebral palsy progressive?

Non-progressive

What is a cerebrovascular accident (CVA)?

Stroke

What causes a CVA?

Reduced blood flow, lack of oxygen in brain and destruction of brain tissue

What is encephalitis?

Inflammation of the brain

What causes encephalitis?

Bacteria and viruses

What is epilepsy?

Brain disorder with electrical impulses, seizures

What is hydrocephalus?

Excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

What causes meningitis?

Bacterium

What does multiple sclerosis (MS) attack?

Mylein sheath