Lecture 3 NROB60 Question And Answer

These flashcards cover the specialized support systems of the brain, including the meninges, blood supply, cerebrospinal fluid, and neuroanatomy essentials related to brain health.

What are the three protective membranes that envelop the brain and spinal cord?

Dura mater, arachnoid mater, pia mater.

What does the term 'meningitis' refer to?

An infection and inflammation of the meningeal layers.

What is chronic traumatic encephalopathy associated with?

Repeated hits to the head.

What causes the symptoms of chronic traumatic encephalopathy?

Build-up of tau protein that strangles brain cells.

What is the outermost layer of the meninges called?

Dura mater.

What is the function of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)?

Acts as a shock absorber and provides buoyancy to the brain.

Where is cerebrospinal fluid produced?

In the choroid plexus of the ventricles.

What connects the lateral ventricles to the third ventricle?

Interventricular foramen of Monro.

What is hydrocephalus?

Abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricles.

What structure takes part in the drainage of blood from the brain to the heart?

Venous sinuses.

What are arachnoid granulations?

Specialized portions of the arachnoid that protrude into the superior sagittal sinus.

What is a stroke?

Sudden loss of brain function caused by blockage or rupture of a blood vessel.

What are the two main types of strokes?

Ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes.

What arteries primarily supply the brain?

Internal carotid arteries and vertebral arteries.

What is the circle of Willis?

A ring of major cerebral arteries at the base of the brain.

What is the role of the blood-brain barrier (BBB)?

To protect the brain and maintain homeostasis by regulating substance movement.

What is the glymphatic system?

A system that removes waste and aids nutrient movement in the brain.

What is the main purpose of the subarachnoid space?

To contain cerebrospinal fluid and major cerebral arteries.

What is meningioma?

Typically benign tumors arising from the dura mater.

What does the term 'subdural hemorrhage' refer to?

A collection of blood between the dura mater and arachnoid mater.

What symptoms are associated with a stroke?

Loss of balance, headache, dizziness, blurred vision.

What are the three layers of the meninges?

Dura mater, arachnoid mater, pia mater.

How does the brain protect itself during trauma?

The cranial bones, meninges, and cerebrospinal fluid provide protection.

What is the main role of the anterior cerebral artery?

Supplies medial aspects of the frontal lobe.

What is a common consequence of brain hemorrhage?

Increased pressure on the brain, leading to symptoms.

Which layer of the meninges is considered the inner layer?

Pia mater.

What is the primary component that crosses the blood-brain barrier?

Oxygen and glucose.

Where is the most common site for blockage in hydrocephalus?

Cerebral aqueduct.

What is the significance of the falx cerebri?

It separates the two hemispheres of the brain.

What is the major function of the ventricles in the brain?

To contain and circulate cerebrospinal fluid.

Why are the lenticulostriate arteries significant?

They supply the basal ganglia and are prone to rupture leading to stroke symptoms.

What role do astrocytes play in the central nervous system?

Support the integrity of the blood-brain barrier and maintain homeostasis.

How is CSF reabsorbed back into the bloodstream?

Through arachnoid granulations into the superior sagittal sinus.

What causes the build-up of tau in CTE?

Repeated subconcussive hits to the head.

What are common symptoms of meningitis?

Fever, headache, nausea, sensitivity to light, confusion.

What is the role of the choroid plexus?

Produces cerebrospinal fluid by filtering blood.

What is a potential risk of the high rate of CSF production?

Risk of blockage in ventricular flow.

What structure allows communication between the anterior and posterior circulations in the brain?

Circle of Willis.

What is a transient ischemic attack (TIA)?

A temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain.

What happens when there is damage to major blood vessels in the brain?

Functional deficits reflecting local cell death.

What is the diagnostic significance of the blood-brain barrier?

Its integrity is critical for neurological diagnoses.

Which arteries are involved in anterior circulation?

Internal carotid arteries, anterior cerebral arteries, and middle cerebral arteries.

What is the significance of the anterior communicating artery?

Connects the two anterior cerebral arteries.

How does CSF contribute to neural protection?

It acts as a cushion for the brain.

What can excessive CSF production lead to in terms of ventricular system health?

Potential for hydrocephalus if flow is blocked.

What defines a subarachnoid hemorrhage?

Bleeding between the arachnoid and pia mater.

What can cause meningitis besides infection?

Non-infectious conditions like cancer or head injuries.

What is the dorsal aspect of the brain primarily supplied by?

Posterior cerebral artery.

What does the term 'hypoxia' refer to?

Insufficient oxygen supply to tissues.

What are the functions of the pia mater?

It directly adheres to the surface of the brain providing support.

What is the typical symptom of a brain tumor like meningioma?

Headaches, seizures, visual changes.

What type of stroke often results from embolism?

Embolic stroke.

What defines an ischemic stroke?

It's caused by blocked blood vessels.

What role do the vertebral arteries play in brain blood supply?

Supply posterior circulation of the brain.

How is the internal carotid artery significant in brain blood supply?

It branches into anterior and middle cerebral arteries.

What is the role of the superior sagittal sinus?

To drain blood from the brain into the internal jugular vein.

What happens to the brain during a hemorrhagic stroke?

There is bleeding within or around the brain.

What is a classic symptom of a stroke?

Numbness or weakness on one side of the body.

What protective function does the cranium serve?

It protects the brain from physical injury.

What happens to the brain if blood supply is blocked for about ten seconds?

The person may lose consciousness.

What is a common treatment for meningiomas?

Surgery, radiation, or observation.

What anatomical region does the fourth ventricle connect with?

The brainstem and cerebellum.

Which proteins in CSF are associated with Alzheimer’s?

Beta-amyloid proteins.

What is the hypothesized relationship between sleep and glymphatic system efficiency?

Glymphatic flow increases during sleep.

What is the major blood source for the spinal cord?

Medullary arteries.

How are brain tumors typically categorized?

Based on their location and type.

What is the main risk factor for stroke?

High blood pressure.

What happens to neurons when the blood supply is disrupted?

They can die if the supply isn't restored.

What are the potential consequences of untreated meningitis?

Stroke, brain damage, or death.

What role do lipids play in the blood-brain barrier?

Lipids can influence the movement of substances across the barrier.

What is the effect of pressure on the brain if there is swelling?

It can cause damage as the skull does not allow expansion.

What does CSF stand for?

Cerebrospinal fluid.

What is meant by the term 'end arterial supply'?

Areas supplied by arteries with no significant collateral circulation.

What complications can arise from a subdural hemorrhage?

Increased intracranial pressure and neurological deficits.

How does the body respond to a stroke?

By promoting neurorecovery and repair mechanisms.

What is the relationship between age and risk of stroke?

Older age increases the risk for stroke.

What is the main function of the tentorium cerebelli?

Separates the cerebellum from the cerebrum.

How can brain tumors affect patient behaviour?

They can cause cognitive and emotional changes.

What is the role of the anterior inferior cerebellar artery?

Supplying the pons and cerebellum.

What is an example of a benign brain tumor?

Meningioma.

What diagnostic tool can help visualize the vascular system of the brain?

MRI imaging.

What term describes the swelling of the brain due to fluid accumulation?

Cerebral edema.

What happens to the meninges during infection?

They can become inflamed.

What substance can diffuse across the blood-brain barrier easily?

Oxygen.

What condition arises from excessive buildup of cerebrospinal fluid?

Hydrocephalus.

What can the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid help with?

Removal of waste and nutrients supply.

Which part of the brain is most commonly affected by strokes?

The cortex.

Which layer of the meninges is closest to the brain tissue?

Pia mater.

What impact does chronic traumatic encephalopathy have on behavior?

It may lead to aggressive behavior and depression.

Where do the lateral ventricles drain into?

The third ventricle.

What does the fourth ventricle narrow into?

The central canal of the spinal cord.

What do the cerebral aqueduct connect?

The third and fourth ventricles.

What can happen if the blood supply to the brain is interrupted for too long?

Permanent brain damage.

How does the glymphatic system utilize sleep?

To enhance waste clearance from the brain.

What is the typical treatment for hydrocephalus?

Ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery.

What does the superior longitudinal fissure separate?

The two cerebral hemispheres.

What are the major branches of the internal carotid arteries?

Anterior cerebral artery and middle cerebral artery.

What condition can result from hypertensive damage to lenticulostriate arteries?

Stroke.

How does the blood-brain barrier regulate glucose access?

By utilizing specific transporters.

How is the cerebrospinal fluid recycled?

It is absorbed into the venous circulation.