Neurology Exam Study Guide

This set of flashcards provides key vocabulary and definitions pertinent to understanding the concepts covered in the neurology exam study guide.

CNS

Central Nervous System, includes the brain and spinal cord.

PNS

Peripheral Nervous System, includes all peripheral nerves and ganglia.

Glial cells

Supporting cells of the CNS that provide structural and functional support.

Afferent fibers

Nerve fibers that carry sensory information to the central nervous system.

Efferent fibers

Nerve fibers that carry motor commands from the central nervous system to muscles.

Hematoma

A localized collection of blood outside of blood vessels, often occurring in the brain.

Lower Motor Neuron (LMN)

A motor neuron whose cell body is located in the spinal cord or brainstem and innervates skeletal muscle.

Flaccid paralysis

A condition characterized by weakness or loss of muscle tone due to LMN lesions.

Corticospinal tract

A major motor pathway originating in the cerebral cortex and descending to the spinal cord.

Corticobulbar tract

A motor tract that innervates the muscles of the face, head, and neck.

Upper Motor Neuron (UMN)

A neuron that originates in the cerebral cortex and travels down to synapse with lower motor neurons.

Spastic paralysis

A condition characterized by increased muscle tone and reflexes due to UMN lesions.

Decorticate posturing

A posture indicating damage to the brain, characterized by flexion of the arms and extension of the legs.

Decerebrate posturing

A posture indicating severe brain damage, characterized by extension of the arms and legs.

Sacral sparing

A phenomenon in spinal cord injury where some function is preserved in the sacral regions.

Homunculus

A visual representation of the body within the brain, showing the relative size of body parts based on sensory/motor input.