The Human Nervous System

Flashcards on the human nervous system, its protection, and diseases that affect it.

Dura mater

Outermost layer of the meninges, protecting the brain and spinal cord.

Arachnoid mater

Middle layer of the meninges, protecting the brain and spinal cord.

Subarachnoid

Space within the arachnoid mater that contains cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Pia mater

Innermost layer of the meninges, protecting the brain and spinal cord.

Meningitis

Inflammation of the meninges.

Encephalitis

Inflammation of the brain.

Meningoencephalitis

Inflammation of both the meninges and the brain.

Bacterial Meningitis Symptoms

Initial symptoms include fever, headache, and stiff neck, potentially progressing to nausea, vomiting, convulsions, and coma.

Bacterial Meningitis Diagnosis

Diagnosis of bacterial meningitis involves Gram stain and latex agglutination of CSF.

Bacterial Meningitis Treatment

Treatment for bacterial meningitis includes Cephalosporins and vancomycin.

Hemophilus influenzae Meningitis

Mostly occurs in children (6 months to 4 years); caused by Gram-negative aerobic bacteria.

Hemophilus influenzae Meningitis Prevention

Prevented by the Hib vaccine.

Neisseria Meningitis

Also called meningococcal meningitis; caused by N. meningitidis, a Gram-negative, aerobic cocci with a capsule.

Neisseria Meningitis Prevention

Vaccination (B, C, Y, W-135 capsule) is recommended for college students.

Streptococcus pneumoniae Meningitis

Also called pneumococcal meningitis; caused by S. pneumoniae, a gram-positive diplococcus.

Streptococcus pneumoniae Meningitis Mortality

Mortality is high in children (30%) and elderly (80%).

Listeriosis

Caused by Listeria monocytogenes, a Gram-negative aerobic rod.

Listeriosis Transmission

Usually foodborne and can be transmitted to a fetus.

Tetanus

Caused by Clostridium tetani, a Gram-positive, endospore-forming, obligate anaerobe.

Tetanus Prevention

Prevention involves vaccination with tetanus toxoid (DTP) and booster (dT).

Botulism

Caused by Clostridium botulinum, a Gram-positive, endospore-forming, obligate anaerobe.

Botulism Intoxication

Associated with ingesting botulinal toxin, which blocks the release of neurotransmitters.

Botulism Prevention

Prevention involves proper canning and the use of nitrites.

Leprosy

Also called Hansen's disease; caused by Mycobacterium leprae, an acid-fast rod.

Leprosy Growth Conditions

Grows best at 30°C in peripheral nerves and skin cells.

Poliomyelitis Transmission and Symptoms

Transmitted by ingestion and initial symptoms include sore throat and nausea.

Poliomyelitis Prevention

Prevention is achieved through vaccination (enhanced-inactivated polio vaccine).

Rabies

Caused by the rabies virus and transmitted by animal bite.

Rabies Preexposure Prophylaxis

Involves injection of human diploid cells vaccine (HDCV).

Rabies Postexposure Treatment

Involves vaccine plus rabies immune globulin (RIG).

Arboviruses

Arthropod-borne viruses that belong to several families.

Arboviral Encephalitis Prevention

Prevention involves controlling mosquitoes.

Cryptococcus neoformans Meningitis

Also called cryptococcosis; caused by soil fungus associated with pigeon and chicken droppings.

African Trypanosomiasis

Caused by Trypanosoma brucei gambiense (chronic) or T. b. rhodesiense (acute).

African Trypanosomiasis Transmission

Transmitted from animals to humans by the tsetse fly.

Naegleria fowleri

Protozoan that infects nasal mucosa from swimming water.

Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies

Caused by prions, leading to chronic and fatal conditions acquired through ingestion, inheritance, or transplant.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Also called myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME); involves unexplained fatigue lasting at least 6 months + 4 specific symptoms.