Unit 1b: Neuropathology Flashcards
Cerebral spinal fluid (CSF)
the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord that cushions the nervous system; fluid is similar to blood plasma
Ventricle
CSF- filled cavities in the brain, four total (left, right, third, and fourth)
Choroid plexus
The specialized cells lining the ventricles responsible for the creation of CSF
Lumbar puncture
A method to withdraw CSF for testing from a low part of the column just below the spinal cord
Arachnoid granulations
the bubble- like portions of the arachnoid mater (middle layer of meninges) into the draining venous sinus system that are responsible for the removal of CSF from around the brain; CSF is ‘recycled’ into the blood stream
Hydrocephalus
(‘water on the brain’) disorder of CSF causing problems with CSF flow or reuptake; leads to head enlargement, developmental problems, changes in eye gaze, and, if left untreated, death; may be developmental or acquired; primarily treated with a shunt to siphon CSF away from the brain into the abdomen
Hydrocephalus ex vacuo
large space develop inside cortex due to loss of cortical tissue - ‘cortical atrophy’; seen in dementia; NOT really hydrocephalus
non-communicating hydrocephalus
hydrocephalus caused by a something obstructing the normal flow of CSF; CSF behind obstruction (between production in choroid plexus and obstruction) would increase in pressure; blockages can be from things like a tumor/mass or a clot of blood/infection
communicating hydrocephalus
hydrocephalus caused by a problem with the normal uptake of CSF through arachnoid granulations; whole CSF system would have increased pressure
Shunt
in brain disorders, a shunt is a tube placed inside the skull to drain off extra fluid, as seen in hydrocephalus (ventriculoperitoneal shunt) and strokes (intraventricular shunt)
Blood vessels
the part of the circulatory system that transports blood throughout the human body. Three major types of blood vessels are the arteries, the capillaries, and the veins.
Circle of Wilis
a circle of arteries that supply blood to the brain. This arrangement of blood vessels allows for collateral blood flow to the brain.
Carotid artery
a blood vessel that supplies the head and neck with oxygenated blood. There are two carotid arteries, one on each side. They supply blood to the anterior part of the brain; carotid artery divides in the neck into the internal (supplies circle of Willis) and external (the artery you take a pulse from on the neck) carotid arteries
Vertebral artery
a blood vessel that runs up the back of the neck. There are two vertebral arteries, one on each side, that join at the base of the skull to form the basilar artery. These vessels supply the posterior part of the brain.
Basilar artery
the artery that supplies the pons, cerebellum, posterior cerebrum, and inner ear. This vessel is formed by the merging of the vertebral arteries.
Middle cerebral artery
The artery that supplies lateral cerebral cortex
and anterior temporal lobes; strokes here can affect face, arm, and language use
Anterior cerebral artery
The arteries that supply oxygen to most medial
portions of frontal lobes and superior medial parietal lobes; strokes here can affect leg use
Stroke
rapid loss of brain tissue and function as a result of disruption of the blood supply to the brain
Transient ischemic attack (TIA)
‘mini stroke’, same wide-range of possible
symptoms as a stroke, but symptoms are only temporary
Ischemia
lack of oxygen arising from a restriction in blood supply
Ischemic stroke
a stroke resulting from restriction of blood flow into a region of brain tissue
Thrombus
a clot, or atherosclerotic plaque, that forms in place within a blood vessel obstructing blood flow. A thrombus can close off blood flow at the place it forms or may break apart to form an embolus.
Embolus
a moving clot that then lodges in a small vessel
Carotid stenosis
abnormal narrowing of the carotid artery, often caused by atherosclerotic plaque formation