Integrated Applied Anatomy: Neural Structures and Upper Limb

Flashcards covering the Integrated Applied Anatomy lecture notes on neural structures, CNS and PNS distinctions, types of lesions, meninges, and cranial/spinal anatomy.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

The division of the nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord, characterized by a limited capacity to regenerate after cell death and associated with upper motor neuron signs.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

The division of the nervous system consisting of spinal nerves, plexuses, and peripheral nerves, which has a fair capacity to regenerate after injury and is associated with lower motor neuron signs.

Upper Motor Neuron (UMN) Lesion

A lesion in the CNS resulting in weakness and spasticity, characterized by brisk reflexes (hyperreflexia) and loss of descending inhibition.

Lower Motor Neuron (LMN) Lesion

A lesion in the PNS resulting in flaccid weakness, no muscle activity if the nerve is completely severed, and absent or diminished reflexes.

Grey Matter

Tissue within the CNS that contains cell bodies, such as the cerebral cortex and the anterior horn of the spinal grey matter.

White Matter

Tissue within the CNS composed mainly of myelinated axons.

Anterior Horn

The part of the spinal grey matter where the cell body of a lower motor neuron (cell A) is located.

Dorsal Root Ganglion

The structure containing the cell body of a sensory neuron (cell B) whose central process extends to the CNS.

Corticospinal Tract

A descending motor pathway for voluntary movement where impulses from the primary motor cortex cross to the other side of the body and terminate in the anterior horn cell.

Dorsal Column System

An ascending sensory pathway that conveys information such as touch and proprioception toward the somatosensory cortex.

Stretch Reflex

A rapid involuntary muscle contraction triggered by a sudden stretch, involving a muscle spindle, sensory nerve, and anterior horn cell.

Muscle Spindle

The stretch receptor located within the muscle that initiates the stretch reflex.

Ischaemic Stroke

A sudden disruption of blood flow to the brain caused by a blockage.

Haemorrhagic Stroke

A sudden disruption of blood flow to the brain caused by the rupture of a blood vessel.

Berry Aneurysm

A pathology characterized by a weak part of the arterial wall in the cerebral arterial circle.

Dura Mater

The thick, bilaminar, and most superficial layer of the meninges.

Arachnoid Mater

The thin, spider-web-like middle layer of the meninges.

Pia Mater

The delicate innermost layer of the meninges that is intimately bonded to neural structures.

Subarachnoid Space

The fluid-filled cavity enclosed by the meninges that contains cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Neurocranium

The portion of the cranium that forms the protective shell enclosing the brain.

Viscerocranium

The portion of the cranium that forms the facial skeleton.

Foramen Magnum

The large opening at the base of the skull through which the brainstem and upper cervical spinal cord pass.

Dermatome

An area of skin supplied by a single spinal nerve root.

Myotome

A group of muscles supplied by a single spinal nerve level.

Mastoid Process

An anatomical landmark on the temporal bone that can be palpated.

External Occipital Protuberance

A bony landmark on the occipital bone; looking up takes tension off the nuchal ligament attached here.