Test 2 SG

Flashcards for reviewing key vocabulary and concepts from the Nervous System and Sensory System lectures.

CNS

Brain + Spinal Cord

PNS

Cranial + Spinal Nerves

RAS (Reticular Activating System)

Controls wakefulness

Autonomic Nervous System

Controls involuntary functions (sympathetic vs. parasympathetic)

Cerebrum

Higher thinking, movement, sensation

Cerebellum

Balance, coordination

Brainstem

Vital functions (breathing, heart rate)

Medulla Oblongata

Controls HR, breathing, vasomotor response; Origin of cranial nerves III to XII

Reticular Formation

Filters sensory input, coordinates motor control

Sympathetic Nervous System

Increases HR, BP, dilates pupils (Fight or Flight)

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Decreases HR, increases digestion and salivation (Rest & Digest)

Afferent Nerve Fibers

Carry sensory information toward the CNS.

Efferent Nerve Fibers

Carry motor commands away from the CNS.

Somatic Nervous System

Voluntary movement

Autonomic Nervous System

Involuntary responses

Myelin

Helps speed up nerve signals.

Stroke

Brain Attack - Time = Brain!

Increased ICP (Intracranial Pressure)

A life-threatening emergency.

TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack)

Warning sign of future stroke.

Ischemic Stroke

Blocked artery in the brain (87% of strokes)

Hemorrhagic Stroke

Bleeding in brain tissue.

tPA

Treatment for ischemic stroke, administered within 3–4.5 hours.

Monro-Kellie Doctrine

If one skull component (brain, CSF, blood) increases, the others must decrease to prevent pressure.

Cushing's Triad

Late sign of increased ICP: Increased systolic BP, decreased HR, decreased RR.

Seizure

Sudden, uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain.

Status Epilepticus

Seizure >5 minutes or 2+ without recovery; medical emergency.

Migraine

Throbbing, unilateral headache, often with aura

Tension Headache

Band-like pressure, bilateral headache, common with stress

Cluster Headache

Intense stabbing pain, often around one eye, occurs in clusters over weeks.

Conductive Hearing Loss

Problem in outer/middle ear; sound can't reach cochlea.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Damage to inner ear or nerve pathways.

Vertigo

Spinning sensation, often from inner ear issues.

Dizziness

General unsteadiness.

Meniere’s Disease

Inner ear disorder → excess fluid buildup; Triad: Vertigo, tinnitus, hearing loss.

Tinnitus

Ringing, buzzing, or roaring in the ears.

CN VIII (Vestibulocochlear)

Hearing and balance.

CN II (Optic)

Vision.

CN III, IV, VI

Eye movement.

Sclera

White part of the eye

Cornea

Clear, dome-shaped front layer of the eye

Conjunctiva

Thin membrane lining eyelids and eyeball

Retina

Converts light to nerve impulses.

Macula

Center of retina - sharp vision.

Glaucoma

↑ Intraocular Pressure (IOP) damages optic nerve

Cataracts

Cloudy lens = blurry vision

Myopia

Nearsightedness

Hyperopia

Farsightedness

Presbyopia

Age-related loss of near focus

Astigmatism

Irregular cornea shape

Macular Degeneration

Loss of central vision.

Retinal Detachment

Separation of retina = EMERGENCY

PERRLA

Pupils Equal, Round, Reactive to Light and Accommodation

Olfactory (I)

Smell

Optic (II)

Vision

Oculomotor (III)

Eye movement

Trochlear (IV)

Eye movement

Trigeminal (V)

Facial sensation and chewing

Abducens (VI)

Eye movement

Facial (VII)

Facial expression and taste

Vestibulocochlear (VIII)

Hearing and balance

Glossopharyngeal (IX)

Swallowing and taste

Vagus (X)

Digestion, heart rate, and other autonomic functions

Accessory (XI)

Shoulder and neck movement

Hypoglossal (XII)

Tongue movement

Electrolytes

Minerals that carry electrical charge.

Sodium (Na)

Fluid balance, nerve impulses ,Normal Range: 135–145 mEq/L

Potassium (K)

Cardiac & muscle contraction, Normal Range: 3.5–5.0 mEq/L

Calcium (Ca²)

Muscle contraction, blood clotting, Normal Range: 8.6–10.2 mg/dL

Magnesium (Mg²)

Nerve/muscle function, enzyme activity, Normal Range: 1.5–2.5 mEq/L

ICF

Intracellular fluid, primarily contains Potassium

ECF

Extracellular fluid, primarily contains Sodium

ADH

Retains water

Aldosterone

Retains Na, excretes K

PTH

Increases Ca²

Calcitonin

Decreases Ca²