Neural Anomalies and CNS Structure

Neurons: Fundamental units of the nervous system, responsible for transmitting signals throughout the body.
Neuralgia: A term for pain caused by irritation or damage to the nerves.
Action Potentials: Electrical impulses that allow communication between neurons.

CNS: Comprises the brain and spinal cord, essential for processing and coordinating sensory information, thoughts, and actions.
- Spinal Cord: Extends from the base of the brain down the vertebral column.
- Cranial Nerves & Peripheral Nerves: Branch off from the spinal cord and brain, fundamental for communication between the CNS and the rest of the body.

Cerebellum: Part of the brain responsible for movement coordination and balance.
Cerebellar Hypoplasia: A condition where the cerebellum is underdeveloped; can lead to uncoordinated movements (e.g., cat "Finn" struggles to reach for treats).
Implications: Owners must accommodate affected pets, such as with lower litter boxes and special feeding arrangements.

Meninges: Three protective membranes (dura mater, arachnoid, pia mater) surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
- Dura Mater: Tough, outer layer; acts as a protective barrier.
- Arachnoid Mater: Middle layer; includes the subarachnoid space which contains cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
- Pia Mater: Inner layer; contains blood vessels nourishing the brain.
Meningitis: Inflammation of the meninges, potentially causing serious health issues like deafness or long-term complications.

CSF Functions: Protects and nourishes the brain, maintains stable ionic concentrations essential for nerve function (e.g., sodium balance).
Measurement & Importance: CSF pressure evaluation via spinal taps can indicate brain health; high pressure can damage tissues.

Definition: Injury to the brain caused by external forces.
- Mild TBI: Usually results in concussions; temporary symptoms.
- Chronic TBI: Frequent injuries (like in boxing or football) lead to long-term cognitive decline.
- Severe TBI: Catastrophic injuries that may immediately affect brain function.

Cerebrum: Responsible for thought, reasoning, and movement.
Diencephalon: Includes thalamus and hypothalamus; coordinates sensory input and regulates homeostasis.
Brain Stem: Connects the brain to the spinal cord; controls vital functions (heart rate, breathing).
Cerebellum: Coordinates voluntary movements, balance, and posture.

Hypothalamus: Regulates homeostasis, hunger, thirst, body temperature, and endocrine functions.
Reticular Formation: Keeps the brain alert and filters irrelevant sensory stimuli for effective processing.
Executive Function: Ability to make judgment and decisions, related to memory and reasoning, primarily housed in the prefrontal cortex.

Motor Areas: Control voluntary muscle movements; damage can cause loss of movement ability.
Sensory Areas: Process sensory input from various body parts, with more cortical space allocated to more sensitive regions (e.g., fingers).

The CNS is the primary regulator of bodily functions and responses to external stimuli, while the PNS carries information to and from the CNS to maintain the body's homeostasis and interaction with the environment.