Chapter 3: Nervous System Organization Flashcards
hemorrhagic stroke
A severe stroke that results from a burst vessel bleeding into the brain.
Tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA)
A drug for treating ischemic stroke that breaks up clots and allows the return of normal blood flow to the affected region if administered within 3 hours.
ischemic stroke
An ischemic stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. Brain cells begin to die in minutes.
nuclei
A spherical structure in the soma of a cell; contains DNA and is essential to cell function; also, a cluster of cells that can be identified histologically and has specific functions in mediating behavior.
- Neurons are organized in either layers or in clusters called nuclei
fiber pathways, or tracts
Tracts (fiber pathways) are large collections of axons projecting toward or away from a nucleus or layer in the (central nervous system) CNS i.e., a large collection of axons coursing together within the CNS.
- Within layers and nuclei, cells that are close together make the most of their connections with one another, but they also make long-distance connections, forming distinctive fiber pathways, or tracts.
Neuron
A neuron, also known as a nerve cell, is a specialized type of cell that transmits information throughout the body.
- an essential part of the nervous system
- responsible for transmitting information in the form of electrical and chemical signals between different parts of the body, including the brain and the muscles.
Glial Cell
Glial cells, also known as neuroglia or glia, are non-neuronal cells that provide support and protection for neurons in the nervous system. There are several different types of glial cells, including:
- astrocytes,
- oligodendrocytes
- microglia
Astrocyte
Astrocytes are the most abundant type of glial cell and are found throughout the central nervous system (CNS). They provide structural support for neurons, help to regulate the chemical environment around neurons, and provide nutrients and support to developing neurons.
Oligodendrocytes
Oligodendrocytes are found in the CNS and are responsible for producing the myelin sheath, a protective layer that surrounds the axons of neurons and helps to insulate them. This helps to increase the speed of neural transmission.
Microglia
Microglia are the immune cells of the CNS and are responsible for protecting the brain and spinal cord from infection and injury. They also play a role in clearing away dead or damaged cells.
Neuroplasticity/brain plasticity/neural plasticity
Refers to the ability of the brain to reorganize and modify its connections in response to changes in the environment or experiences. This process allows the brain to adapt and learn new things throughout life.
- occurs at all stages of life, but is especially pronounced during childhood and adolescence
- plays a key role in learning, memory, and the ability to adapt to new situations.
Inferior
away from the head, below, toward the feet; lower (example, the foot is part of the inferior extremity).
caudal
Toward the back of the brain or the bottom of the spinal cord
Anterior
In front of; toward the face (example, the kneecap is located on the anterior side of the leg)..
Ventral
Toward the bottom of the brain or the front of the spinal cord
Posterior
Behind; toward the back (example, the shoulder blades are located on the posterior side of the body).
Superior
Above; toward the head
Dorsal
Toward the top of the brain or the back of the spinal cord
Medial
toward the midline of the body (example, the middle toe is located at the medial side of the foot).
Lateral
away from the midline of the body, toward the edge (example, the little toe is located at the lateral side of the foot).
Proximal
toward or nearest the trunk or the point of origin of a part (example, the proximal end of the femur joins with the pelvic bone).
Distal
away from or farthest from the trunk or the point or origin of a part (example, the hand is located at the distal end of the forearm).
Rostral
Toward the front of the brain or the top of the spinal cord
A coronal section/cut reveals
A vertical plane running from side to side; divides the body or any of its parts into anterior and posterior portions; you should be able to see both lobes/right and left hemispheres - sliding the brain front to back