Cerebrospinal Fluid, Sleep Cycles, and Meninges

30 flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to cerebrospinal fluid, sleep-wake cycles, and the meninges.

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

A liquid cushion surrounding the brain, providing buoyancy, protection, and nutrient transport.

Choroid plexus

A cluster of capillaries that produces cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from blood.

Ependymal cells

Cells that line the ventricles and control the composition of CSF, using ion pumps.

Circadian rhythm

A natural, internal process that regulates the sleep-wake cycle, roughly following a 24-hour period.

Suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN)

The master circadian pacemaker located in the hypothalamus, regulating the sleep cycle.

Melatonin

A hormone regulated by light and darkness that influences sleep-wake cycles.

Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep

A stage of sleep characterized by rapid movement of the eyes, increased brain activity, and vivid dreams.

Non-REM sleep

A type of sleep consisting of stages N1, N2, and slow-wave sleep without rapid eye movement.

Slow-wave sleep

A deep stage of non-REM sleep, characterized by slow brain waves and decreased physiological activity.

Preoptic nucleus

A region in the hypothalamus that promotes sleep by inhibiting arousal centers.

inhibitory neurotransmitters in the brain.

GABAergic neurons act as..?

Adenosine accumulation

The buildup of adenosine in the brain, associated with increased sleep pressure.

Dura mater

The outermost layer of the meninges, consisting of two layers that protect the brain.

Arachnoid mater

The middle layer of the meninges, with spiderweb-like extensions that separate it from the dura mater.

Pia mater

The delicate inner layer of the meninges that closely adheres to the brain's surface.

Dural venous sinuses

Channels formed between the layers of dura mater that collect venous blood from the brain.

Falx cerebri

A dural septum that separates the two cerebral hemispheres.

Falx cerebelli

A dural septum that separates the two cerebellar hemispheres.

Tentorium cerebelli

A horizontal fold of dura mater that separates the cerebellum from the cerebrum.

Caffeine blocks adenosine receptors, which can prevent sleepiness.

Whats caffeine's effect on sleep

Sleep deprivation

A condition resulting from inadequate sleep, leading to various physical and cognitive impairments.

Hypertension

High blood pressure, which can be exacerbated by chronic sleep restriction.

Insulin sensitivity

The efficiency with which cells respond to insulin, which can be impaired by sleep deprivation.

Ghrelin and leptin

Hormones that regulate hunger;

Ghrelin increases appetite, and leptin decreases it.

What does ghrelin and leptin do to hunger?

C-reactive protein (CRP)

A substance produced by the liver in response to inflammation, often elevated in chronic sleep insufficient scenarios.

Infectious susceptibility

Increased vulnerability to infections, often a consequence of sleep deprivation.

Cognitive functions

Mental processes including attention, memory, and problem-solving, which can decline with insufficient sleep.

Homeostatic sleep pressure

The drive to sleep that increases with prolonged waking, impacted by adenosine levels.

Circadian clock

The body's internal timekeeping system that regulates biological rhythms.

Sleep patterns

Typical sequences of sleep stages, including the alternation between non-REM and REM sleep.

glucose metabolism and fat regulation.

Sleep affects metabolic processes, including

Sleep consolidation

The process of stabilizing and integrating new memories, which occurs during sleep.