Neurological Function, Assessment, and Therapeutic Measures

These flashcards encapsulate key vocabulary terms and definitions related to neurological function, assessment, and therapeutic measures. They will aid in studying important concepts for the exam.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Comprises the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Comprises cranial and spinal nerves.

Afferent Neurons

Sensory neurons that transmit information to the CNS from sensory receptors.

Efferent Neurons

Motor neurons that transmit information from the CNS to muscles and glands.

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

Fluid that bathes and cushions the CNS, vital for nutrient and waste exchange.

Spinal Cord

Transmits impulses to and from the brain, protected by the vertebral canal.

Medulla Oblongata

Part of the brain that regulates vital functions like heart rate and breathing.

Brain Stem

Connects the brain with the spinal cord and controls basic life functions.

Cerebellum

Responsible for coordination, balance, and fine motor skills.

Thalamus

Acts as a relay station for sensory and motor signals to the cerebral cortex.

Hypothalamus

Regulates body temperature, hunger, thirst, and circadian rhythms.

Frontal Lobe

Involved in voluntary movements, decision making, and speech production.

Temporal Lobe

Responsible for processing auditory information and language comprehension.

Parietal Lobe

Processes sensory information such as touch, taste, and temperature.

Occipital Lobe

Responsible for visual processing.

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

Controls involuntary bodily functions, divided into sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions.

Sympathetic Division

Part of the ANS that prepares the body for stressful situations, increasing heart rate and energy.

Parasympathetic Division

Part of the ANS that conserves energy and promotes restful functions.

Stroke (Cerebrovascular Accident - CVA)

Occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted, resulting in tissue death.

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

A temporary period of symptoms similar to those of a stroke, lasting less than 24 hours.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

An autoimmune disorder that affects the myelin sheath of neurons, leading to communication issues between the brain and body.

Myasthenia Gravis

An autoimmune neuromuscular disorder that causes weakness in the skeletal muscles.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

A progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting motor neurons, leading to muscle weakness and atrophy.

Parkinson’s Disease

A chronic degenerative neurological disorder characterized by tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia.

Guillian-Barre Syndrome

An acute inflammatory polyneuropathy that causes rapid onset muscle weakness and paralysis.