chapter 12

What are the four main protective structures of the brain?

Bone (skull), Meninges, Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), Blood–brain barrier.

What are the three layers of meninges from superficial to deep?

Dura mater, Arachnoid mater, Pia mater.

What is contained in the subarachnoid space?

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood vessels.

What is the function of Arachnoid villi?

Return CSF to venous blood.

What are the three functions of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)?

Buoyancy, Protection, Chemical stability.

What structures are involved in the formation of CSF?

Choroid plexuses (comprised of ependymal cells, capillaries, and pia mater).

What is ischemia?

Reduced blood supply leading to a lack of oxygen and tissue death.

What characterizes Alzheimer's Disease?

Progressive memory loss with plaques and tangles, leading to neuron death.

What are the main differences between syncope and coma?

Syncope is temporary loss of consciousness (fainting) while coma is extended unconsciousness and unresponsive.

What are the two major types of sleep?

NREM (non–rapid eye movement) and REM (rapid eye movement) sleep.

What is the suggested function of REM sleep?

Memory consolidation, problem solving, and emotional stability.

Which areas of the brain are involved in language production and comprehension?

Broca’s area (speech production) and Wernicke’s area (language comprehension).

What is the difference between declarative memory and nondeclarative memory?

Declarative memory refers to facts and information, while nondeclarative memory involves skills and emotional responses.

What happens if the hippocampus is destroyed?

Inability to form new long-term memories (anterograde amnesia).

What factor facilitates the transfer of short-term memory to long-term memory?

Emotional state, Repetition/rehearsal, Association.

Why can someone forget facts but still perform skills like playing piano?

Procedural and motor memories depend on brain structures that remain intact, such as cerebellum and basal nuclei, even if the hippocampus is damaged.