Neurological System Overview

These flashcards cover the major concepts related to the neurological system, including the structure and function of the nervous system, types of pain, and various neurological conditions.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Consists of the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Includes cranial nerves and spinal nerves; divided into somatic and autonomic systems.

Neuron

The primary cell of the nervous system responsible for transmitting nerve impulses.

Neuroglial Cells

Support cells in the nervous system that assist neurons and maintain homeostasis.

Neurotransmitters

Chemicals that transmit signals across synapses between neurons.

Acetylcholine

A neurotransmitter involved in muscle activation and learning.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Part of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for stress-related activities.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Part of the autonomic nervous system that conserves energy and resources during relaxation.

Pain Threshold

The lowest intensity at which a stimulus is perceived as pain.

Nociceptors

Pain receptors in the peripheral nervous system responsible for detecting pain.

Chronic Pain

Pain that persists for 3 months or longer and does not respond well to treatment.

Modulation of Pain

Involves endogenous opioids and mechanisms that inhibit pain transmission.

Cerebral Perfusion Pressure (CPP)

The pressure required to supply blood to the brain cells, calculated as mean arterial pressure minus intracranial pressure.

Cushing's Triad

A clinical syndrome characterized by hypertension, bradycardia, and irregular respirations indicating increased intracranial pressure.

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

A temporary neurological dysfunction due to focal cerebral ischemia that resolves within 24 hours.

Thrombotic Stroke

Caused by thrombi formation in arteries supplying the brain, often due to atherosclerosis.

Hemorrhagic Stroke

Occurs when a blood vessel in the brain breaks, leading to bleeding and increased intracranial pressure.

Gate Control Theory

A theory that explains how non-painful inputs can close the 'gates' to painful input, preventing pain sensation from being transmitted to the central nervous system.