Chapter 47 Neurological System: Key Terminology

Vocabulary flashcards covering CNS/PNS structure, neurons, brain lobes, autonomic nervous system, aging, assessment, stroke recognition, coma scales, delirium, and lumbar puncture.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Brain and spinal cord; processes information from nerves and regulates thoughts and feelings.

Brain

Part of the CNS that processes information, sends messages to the spinal cord, and regulates thoughts and emotions.

Spinal Cord

Links brain to the periphery; conducts impulses and coordinates reflexes; contains CSF in the subarachnoid space.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Nerves outside the CNS that carry signals between the brain/spinal cord and the body.

Nerve

Bundle of nerve fibers (cranial, spinal, peripheral) that transmits impulses; includes optic nerves for vision.

Optic Nerve

Cranial Nerve II; carries visual information from the retina to the brain.

Sensory (Afferent) Neurons

Detect stimuli and transmit information to the CNS.

Interneurons

Located in the CNS; connect sensory and motor pathways and process information.

Motor (Efferent) Neurons

Relay messages from the brain to muscles or glands.

White Matter

Myelinated nerve fibers in the CNS that transmit impulses (tracts); appears white.

Gray Matter

Neuron cell bodies in the CNS; lacks myelin; forms horns in the spinal cord.

Epidural Space

Fat- and vessel-containing space between vertebrae and the spinal dura.

Subarachnoid Space

Space where cerebrospinal fluid circulates around the spinal cord and brain.

Dura Mater

Outer protective meningeal layer surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

Posterior (Dorsal) Horn

Horns in the gray matter that receive sensory information.

Anterior (Ventral) Horn

Horns in the gray matter that contain motor neuron cell bodies.

Lateral Horns

Autonomic neuron-containing horns in thoracic/lumbar spinal cord.

Spinal Nerve

Nerve formed from dorsal and ventral roots; carries sensory and motor fibers.

Central Canal

CSF-filled channel running through the spinal cord.

Reflex Arc

Pathway for reflexes: receptor → afferent neuron → CNS integration → efferent neuron → muscle.

Somatic Receptors

Receptors in skin, muscles, tendons that detect stimuli.

Afferent Nerve Fibers

Carry sensory impulses toward the CNS.

Motor Neuron

Transmit impulses from the CNS to muscles or glands.

Cerebrum

Largest brain area; integrates sensory data and supports complex functions.

Frontal Lobe

Motor areas; controls voluntary movement; Broca's area; personality and judgment.

Central Sulcus

Boundary between frontal and parietal lobes; separates motor and sensory areas.

Broca's Area

Motor speech area; controls movements for speaking.

Temporal Lobe

Auditory processing and language; contains Wernicke's area.

Wernicke's Area

Language comprehension region of the brain.

Parietal Lobe

Processes somatic senses and contributes to taste perception.

Occipital Lobe

Visual processing area.

Lateral Sulcus

Separates temporal from frontal/parietal lobes.

Precentral Gyrus

Primary motor cortex.

Postcentral Gyrus

Primary somatosensory cortex.

Olfactory Nerve

Cranial Nerve I; smell.

Optic Nerve (CN II)

Vision pathway from retina to brain.

Oculomotor Nerve

Cranial Nerve III; eye movements and pupil constriction.

Trochlear Nerve

Cranial Nerve IV; eye movement (superior oblique).

Trigeminal Nerve

Cranial Nerve V; face sensation and mastication.

Abducens Nerve

Cranial Nerve VI; lateral eye movement.

Facial Nerve

Cranial Nerve VII; facial expressions, taste, glands.

Vestibulocochlear Nerve

Cranial Nerve VIII; hearing and balance.

Glossopharyngeal Nerve

Cranial Nerve IX; swallowing and taste.

Vagus Nerve

Cranial Nerve X; extensive parasympathetic innervation to thorax and abdomen.

Accessory Nerve

Cranial Nerve XI; shoulder and neck movement.

Hypoglossal Nerve

Cranial Nerve XII; tongue movement.

Sympathetic Response

Fight or flight; increased heart rate; vasodilation to muscles; liver glycogen-to-glucose; norepinephrine release.

Norepinephrine

Neurotransmitter of the sympathetic system; increases alertness and arousal.

Parasympathetic Response

Rest and digest; conserves energy; promotes digestion and relaxation; acetylcholine release.

Acetylcholine

Neurotransmitter of the parasympathetic system; promotes rest-and-digest activities.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Fight/flight; short preganglionic fibers and long postganglionic fibers; ganglia near spinal cord.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Rest/digest; long preganglionic fibers and short postganglionic fibers; ganglia near target organs.

Aging Nervous System Changes

Decreased cerebral blood flow; lipofuscin deposition; reduced acetylcholine; dendrite loss; instability; more falls.

Basic Neurological Assessment

Assessment of LOC, vital signs, pupil response, strength/movement, and sensation.

Level of Consciousness (LOC)

Indicator of brain function and awareness level.

Subjective Data in Neuro Exam

Mental status, intellectual function, perception, language, memory, pain.

History (Neuro Exam Components)

Symptoms, medication use, surgical history, family history, lifestyle.

Delirium

Acute confusional state; often medication-related; assess causes and ensure safety.

BE FAST

Stroke recognition mnemonic: Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, Speech, Time.

Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)

Assessment of eye opening, verbal response, and motor response; 3–15 total.

GCS Eye Opening

4 spontaneous, 3 to speech, 2 to pain, 1 no response.

GCS Verbal Response

5 oriented, 4 confused, 3 inappropriate words, 2 incomprehensible sounds, 1 no response.

GCS Motor Response

6 obeys commands, 5 localizes to pain, 4 withdraws from pain, 3 abnormal flexion, 2 abnormal extension, 1 no response.

Abnormal Posturing

Motor responses indicating brain injury: decorticate or decerebrate posturing.

Decorticate Posturing

Arms flexed and adducted; wrists/fingers flexed; legs extended.

Decerebrate Posturing

Arms extended; wrists/fingers extended; elbows extended; forearms pronated.

FOUR Score

4-part coma scale: Eye, Motor, Brainstem reflexes, and Respiration; total 0–16.

Pupil Assessment

Evaluate equality, roundness, and reactivity to light and accommodation.

Pupil Size Range (mm)

Pupil gauge used to describe size (commonly 2–9 mm in assessments).

Diagnostic Tests (Labs)

Laboratory tests such as thyroid function, B12, CBC, CK, ESR, electrolytes, hormones, VDRL, LFT, and renal function.

Lumbar Puncture

Procedure to collect cerebrospinal fluid for analysis; requires pre/post care.

Preprocedure Lumbar Puncture Care

Verify informed consent; assist with patient positioning.

Postprocedure Lumbar Puncture Care

Bedrest 6–8 hours; encourage fluids; monitor puncture site, movement, sensation, and headache.

Subarachnoid Space

Space between arachnoid and pia maters where CSF circulates; site for lumbar puncture.

Cauda Equina

Bundle of nerve roots at the end of the spinal cord.

Third Lumbar Vertebra

Landmark level for performing lumbar puncture.

Dura Mater

Outer protective meningeal layer surrounding brain and spinal cord.

Central Nervous System vs Peripheral Nervous System distinction

CNS includes brain and spinal cord; PNS includes all nerves outside the CNS.