PSYC 375: Cerebral Hemispheres and Vascular Supply

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary terms and concepts related to the anatomy and vascular supply of the brain as discussed in the lecture notes.

Cerebral Hemispheres

The two halves of the brain that are responsible for various functions including voluntary movement, sensory information, and speech processing.

Circle of Willis

A circulatory structure at the base of the brain that provides collateral blood flow between anterior and posterior circulation.

Anterior Cerebral Artery (ACA)

An artery that supplies blood to most of the frontal cortex and the inner surfaces of the cerebral hemisphere.

• Four sections:

  • cervical, petrous, cavernous, supraclinoid

Middle Cerebral Artery (MCA)

An artery that supplies most of the upper and outer regions of the brain, associated with language and motor functions.

Posterior Cerebral Artery (PCA)

An artery that supplies blood to the inferior and medial temporal lobes and occipital cortex.

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

A temporary neurological deficit lasting less than 24 hours, often seen as a warning sign for a stroke.

Broca’s Aphasia

A condition characterized by the inability to produce speech while comprehension remains intact.

Wernicke’s Aphasia

A language disorder where patients can produce fluent-sounding speech but struggle with comprehension.

Ischemic Stroke

A type of stroke that occurs when a blood clot blocks blood flow to the brain.

Lacunar Stroke

A type of small stroke that affects deep structures of the brain, often associated with chronic hypertension.

Alien Hand Syndrome

An unusual condition resulting from frontal lobe damage, characterized by involuntary movement of the hand.

Hemineglect

A neurological deficit where a person fails to attend to stimuli on one side of their body or space.

Cerebral Infarct

An area of tissue death caused by inadequate blood supply to the brain.

Watershed Areas

Regions between the territories supplied by adjacent cerebral arteries, vulnerable to ischemia during drops in blood pressure.

Carotid Stenosis

Narrowing of the carotid artery that can lead to thrombus formation and potential embolic strokes.