1
Q
What is the most complex organ of the human body?
A
The brain.
2
Q
What are the two major parts of the nervous system?
A
The central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
3
Q
What is the functional unit of the nervous system?
A
A neuron.
4
Q
What is the role of neurons in the nervous system?
A
Neurons transmit nervous impulses and are the functioning cells of the nervous system.
5
Q
What is the space between two neurons called?
A
The synapse.
6
Q
What are the three main parts of the brain?
A
The cerebrum, cerebellum, and brain stem.
7
Q
What divides the cerebrum into two hemispheres?
A
The longitudinal fissure.
8
Q
What is the function of the left hemisphere of the cerebrum?
A
It is responsible for verbal functions such as reading, writing, speaking, and calculating.
9
Q
What is the function of the right hemisphere of the cerebrum?
A
It is responsible for artistic or creative activities such as drawing and creating rhythm.
10
Q
What connects the two hemispheres of the cerebrum?
A
The corpus callosum.
11
Q
What is the composition of the myelin sheath?
A
It is composed of Schwann cells, which are a type of glial cell.
12
Q
What are glial cells?
A
Specialized cells of the nervous system performing specific functions.
13
Q
What are the functions of the cerebellum?
A
Balance control, equilibrium, posture, and muscle coordination.
14
Q
What percentage of the total body oxygen does the brain consume?
A
0.2
15
Q
What is the role of chemical neurotransmitters in the nervous system?
A
They enhance the transmission of impulses from one neuron to another.
16
Q
What is the primary responsibility of a medical assistant (MA) regarding the nervous system?
A
To assist physicians during patient care and perform neurological examinations.
17
Q
What is the process by which messages move across the nervous system?
A
Transmission of impulse.
18
Q
What happens to the stimulus as it travels down the axon?
A
It becomes an electrical impulse.
19
Q
How does the stimulus convert when moving across the synapse?
A
It converts from an electrical impulse to a chemical impulse.
20
Q
What is the role of astrocytes in the nervous system?
A
They help to form the blood-brain barrier.
21
Q
What is the location of the cerebellum in relation to the cerebrum?
A
It is located just inferior to the cerebrum’s occipital lobe.
22
Q
What is the responsibility of neurologists and neurosurgeons?
A
To provide medical care for patients with brain-related disorders and trauma.
23
Q
What are the primary functions of the cerebellum?
A
Balance control, equilibrium, posture, and muscle coordination.
24
Q
What is the role of the brain stem?
A
It manages reflexes, acts as a relay station for inputs from the body to the brain, and regulates vision, hearing, respiration, heart rate, blood pressure, waking, and sleeping.
25
Where does the spinal cord begin and end?
It begins at the inferior part of the brain stem and extends to approximately the second lumbar vertebra.
26
What is the main function of the spinal cord?
To carry messages between the spinal nerves and the brain.
27
How many pairs of spinal nerves extend from the spinal cord?
31 pairs of spinal nerves.
28
What are the meninges?
Three membranes that protect the brain and spinal cord.
29
What is the dura mater?
The tough outer layer of the meninges.
30
What is the arachnoid membrane?
The middle membrane of the meninges that resembles a spider web.
31
What is the function of the subarachnoid space?
It allows cerebrospinal fluid to circulate.
32
What is the pia mater?
The innermost, thinnest layer of the meninges, which is highly vascular and supports the brain's blood vessels.
33
What does the peripheral nervous system consist of?
Nerves that exit from the brain and spinal cord, including all nervous tissue outside the CNS.
34
What are cranial nerves responsible for?
Connecting to sensory organs and muscles of the face and neck to transmit information.
35
How do spinal nerves function?
They use spaces between the vertebrae to enter and leave the spinal canal, transmitting information to and from the brain.
36
What types of fibers do spinal nerves consist of?
Sensory fibers that transmit stimuli from skin and organs to the CNS, and motor fibers that transmit stimuli from the CNS to skeletal muscles.
37
What is the autonomic nervous system (ANS)?
It carries information to and from the brain through the spinal cord and manages homeostatic processes.
38
What is the role of the sympathetic nervous system?
It promotes 'fight or flight' responses, increasing heart rate, blood glucose levels, and blood pressure while decreasing peristalsis.
39
What does the parasympathetic nervous system promote?
Rest or reduction effects, decreasing heart rate and increasing digestive system function.
40
What are neurons?
The functional unit of the nervous system.
41
What are the two main components of the nervous system?
The central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
42
What important components make up the CNS?
The brain and spinal cord.
43
What is the function of cranial nerves?
To relay impulses to and from the sensory organs and muscles of the face and neck.
44
How do spinal nerves contribute to the nervous system?
They carry impulses to and from the brain.
45
What is the significance of the autonomic nervous system?
It helps to maintain homeostasis, such as body temperature control.
46
What are common causes of diseases affecting the CNS and PNS?
Trauma, infection, congenital anomalies, degeneration, tumors, and vascular disorders.
47
What is cerebrovascular disease (CVD)?
A CNS disorder affecting blood vessels that supply blood to the brain, leading to progressive loss of elasticity in arterial walls.
48
What is a transient ischemic attack (TIA)?
A type of CVD known as a mini stroke, characterized by limited blood supply to a part of the brain, with symptoms like numbness, difficulty communicating, and vertigo.
49
What are the symptoms of a cerebrovascular accident (CVA)?
Symptoms include slurred speech, confusion, severe headaches, difficulty swallowing, and paralysis on one side of the body.
50
What characterizes a migraine headache?
Sudden, recurrent episodes of headache with symptoms like nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and throbbing pain on one side of the head.
51
What are common triggers for migraines?
Hormonal imbalance, certain foods (caffeine, alcohol, MSG), increased stress levels, and weather changes.
52
What is dementia?
A chronic disorder of mental processes caused by brain disease, characterized by progressive memory loss, disorientation, neglect of hygiene, personality changes, and inability to follow directions.
53
What are the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease?
Slow, progressive loss of recent memory, inability to recognize people or places, and disorientation.
54
What defines epilepsy?
A condition characterized by recurrent abnormal electrical impulses in the brain, resulting in seizures.
55
How are seizures categorized in epilepsy?
Seizures are divided into partial (simple and complex) and generalized, depending on the brain areas affected.
56
What distinguishes simple partial seizures from complex partial seizures?
Simple partial seizures do not cause loss of consciousness and may involve repetitive actions, while complex partial seizures cause staring and repeated movements.
57
What is absence epilepsy?
A form of epilepsy where the patient stares with eyes open while being unconscious.
58
What is encephalitis?
Inflammation of the brain, often caused by a virus, with symptoms ranging from mild (headache, muscle aches) to severe (fever, delirium, seizures).
59
What is meningitis?
Inflammation of the meninges, which may be due to bacterial, viral, or fungal infections, with symptoms like headache, flu-like symptoms, and nuchal rigidity.
60
What are common symptoms of brain and spinal cord injuries?
Headache, flu-like symptoms, nuchal rigidity, and seizures.
61
What is a concussion?
A mild brain injury associated with loss of consciousness that can last from seconds to several minutes, often followed by disorientation.
62
What is a contusion?
A more severe brain injury characterized by symptoms such as headache, nausea, vomiting, vision disturbances, and sensitivity to light.
63
What differentiates a closed brain injury from an open brain injury?
A closed injury involves internal brain damage without skull fracture, while an open injury occurs when the skull is fractured or displaced, potentially allowing penetration.
64
What is shaken baby syndrome?
A severe head injury in infants caused by violent shaking.
65
What happens in a spinal cord injury?
Damage to the spinal cord can stop CNS stimulation activity below the injury, leading to paralysis.
66
What is Parkinson's disease?
A chronic, progressive, and debilitating condition affecting men more than women, characterized by a deficiency of dopamine and symptoms like tremors, slow movements, and impaired coordination.
67
How is Parkinson's disease diagnosed?
Through a comprehensive medical history and neurologic examination.
68
What are the initial symptoms of brain tumors?
Headaches, dizziness, and diplopia.
69
What may cause increased intracranial pressure in relation to brain tumors?
Tumors can cause increased intracranial pressure.
70
What is multiple sclerosis?
An autoimmune disease affecting the myelin sheath, leading to inflammation and deterioration of nerve fibers, causing symptoms like numbness and ataxia.
71
What symptoms are associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)?
Small, local, involuntary muscle contractions in the forearm and hands.
72
What is the cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)?
The cause is not known, but it results in the destruction of motor neurons controlling voluntary muscles.
73
What factors contribute to Parkinson's disease?
A combination of genetic and environmental factors leads to a deficiency of dopamine.
74
What diagnostic methods are used for brain tumors?
History, neurologic examination, and imaging studies.
75
What are some symptoms of multiple sclerosis?
Numbness, paresthesia, diplopia, ataxia, and bladder control problems.
76
What is the annual incidence of new cases of Parkinson's disease?
Almost 50,000 new cases annually.
77
What is the impact of spinal cord injury on CNS activity?
It can lead to paralysis of areas below the injured section due to halted CNS stimulation.
78
What is the role of the myelin sheath in the nervous system?
It insulates nerve fibers and facilitates the efficient transmission of nerve signals.
79
What are the effects of dopamine deficiency in Parkinson's disease?
It leads to motor control issues, including tremors and impaired coordination.
80
What is Bell's palsy and what causes it?
Bell's palsy is a temporary facial paralysis caused by inflammation and edema of cranial nerve VII, often due to a viral infection like herpes simplex.
81
What are common symptoms of Bell's palsy?
Symptoms include facial twitching, eyelid drooping, and excessive tearing of the affected eye.
82
What is peripheral neuropathy and what are its potential causes?
Peripheral neuropathy is a condition of peripheral nerve dysfunction with unknown causes, potentially caused by diabetes mellitus, HIV infection, and nutritional deficiencies.
83
What symptoms are associated with peripheral neuropathy?
Symptoms include muscular weakness, pain, and sensory disturbances such as burning, numbness, and tingling.
84
How does depression interfere with daily life?
Depression interferes with day-to-day activities and can be categorized into major depressive disorders, dysthymic disorders, and bipolar disorders.
85
What are common symptoms of depression?
Symptoms include persistent sadness, anxiousness, and changes in weight (gain or loss).
86
What types of disorders fall under anxiety disorders?
Anxiety disorders include panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and phobias.
87
What are the symptoms of anxiety disorders?
Symptoms include overwhelming, irrational feelings of anxiety and fear.
88
What characterizes schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a chronic, severe brain disorder characterized by hallucinations, delusions, difficulty in speaking and expressing emotions, and cognitive deficits.
89
What are common disorders of the central nervous system (CNS)?
Common CNS disorders include cerebrovascular disease, migraine headache, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, meningitis, and brain injuries.
90
What are some peripheral nervous system disorders?
Common peripheral nervous system disorders include multiple sclerosis, peripheral neuropathy, depression, anxiety disorders, and schizophrenia.
91
What is the primary goal of a neurological examination?
The primary goal is to determine the presence of neurologic dysfunction, the affected part of the neurological system, and the type and extent of the issue.
92
What components are included in a neurological examination?
Components include assessing emotional status, intellectual performance, cognitive ability, behavior, grooming, mannerisms, and communication abilities.
93
What is the role of a medical assistant (MA) during a neurological examination?
The MA observes the patient for abnormalities such as slurred speech and unintelligible conversation.
94
How is cranial nerve function assessed?
Cranial nerve function is assessed through simple tests, such as identifying odors for cranial nerve I and differentiating hot and cold substances for cranial nerve V.
95
What does a peripheral nerve examination assess?
It assesses motor function, including muscle strength, gait, and movements.
96
How can muscle atrophy be diagnosed?
Muscle atrophy can be diagnosed by measuring and comparing the diameters of the upper arms and calves.
97
What is Romberg's test used for?
Romberg's test is used to assess motor function and steadiness by having the patient stand straight with feet together and eyes closed.
98
What does a sensory examination evaluate?
A sensory examination evaluates the patient's ability to identify superficial sensations and checks deep tendon reflexes and the Babinski reflex.
99
What is the Babinski reflex?
A reflex extension evoked by stroking the sole of the foot with a reflex hammer or another dull instrument.
100
What are deep tendon reflexes used to assess?
They are used to assess muscle and nerve function, including the biceps, triceps, patellar, and Achilles reflexes.
101
What does the biceps reflex assess?
The flexion of the elbow.
102
What does the triceps reflex assess?
The extension of the arm.
103
What does the patellar reflex assess?
The extension of the leg.
104
What does the Achilles reflex assess?
The flexion of the foot.
105
What are common diagnostic tests ordered after abnormal neurological examination results?
Lumbar puncture, CT scan, electroencephalogram, MRI, PET scan, and X-ray studies.
106
What is the purpose of arteriography?
To provide detailed viewing of vertebral and carotid arteries and highlight leaking vessels, aneurysms, and occluded blood vessels.
107
How is arteriography performed?
By injecting a contrast medium into the artery through a catheter.
108
What does a computed tomography (CT) scan do?
Creates visuals of multiple, serial radiographic sections and differentiates between bones and soft tissue.
109
What is the purpose of an electroencephalogram (EEG)?
To record brain wave activity to diagnose seizure types and determine the effectiveness of seizure-related treatment.
110
How is an EEG performed?
By attaching electrodes to the scalp to record the brain's electrical activity.
111
What is the purpose of a lumbar puncture?
To check for infection or inflammation of the CNS, detect increased intracranial pressure, or bleeding.
112
What does a lumbar puncture involve?
Inserting a special needle into the subarachnoid space to collect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for analysis.
113
What does magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) aid in viewing?
Multiple, serial radiographic sections and produces detailed images of the brain, spinal cord, and surrounding tissue.
114
What does positron emission tomography (PET) identify?
Areas of increased metabolic activity, vascular abnormalities, and space-occupying lesions.
115
What is involved in a PET scan?
Injecting a radioactive isotope and scanning the brain to locate areas of isotope concentration.
116
What do X-ray studies identify?
Bone fractures and pathologies in the brain.
117
What are the main functions of a medical assistant during a neurological examination?
Preparing instruments, helping the patient assume required positions, and recording results.
118
What should a medical assistant do to prepare a patient for an electroencephalogram?
Greet the patient, explain the procedure, inform about dietary requirements, and reassure about the safety of electrodes.
119
What dietary requirements should be communicated before an electroencephalogram?
Avoiding stimulants such as coffee, chocolate, or sodas and not skipping meals.
120
What is the first step in assisting during a neurological examination?
Gathering and preparing the equipment.
121
What should a medical assistant do before starting the examination?
Sanitize their hands, greet and identify the patient, and explain the procedure.
122
What is required from the patient during a baseline EEG test?
The patient should avoid any kind of movement.
123
What stimulation is used during a stimulation examination for EEG?
The patient is asked to view flickering lights that stimulate the brain.
124
What should be verified and documented after patient education?
The patient's understanding of the information provided.
125
What is the first step in assisting during a lumbar puncture?
Assemble the equipment and sanitize the hands.
126
What position should the patient be in for a lumbar puncture?
Left side-lying fetal position, with a pillow for the head and between the knees if required.
127
What must be present in the patient's record before performing a lumbar puncture?
The informed consent form.
128
What is the purpose of sterile skin preparation in a lumbar puncture?
To prepare the patient's lumbar region for the procedure.
129
What should be done with the specimen tubes after a lumbar puncture?
Collect and label them as required.
130
What should be monitored after a lumbar puncture?
The patient should be monitored and provided liquids as instructed.
131
What does the neurological examination assess?
Emotional status, intellectual performance, cognitive ability, behavior, and communication skills.
132
What are the two major components of the nervous system?
The central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
133
What does the central nervous system (CNS) consist of?
The brain and the spinal cord.
134
What forms the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?
Nerves that enter and exit from the brain and spinal cord, including cranial nerves, spinal nerves, and the autonomic nervous system.
135
What are some common disorders of the central nervous system (CNS)?
Cerebrovascular disease, migraine headaches, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, meningitis, cerebrovascular infections, brain tumors, and spinal cord injuries.
136
What are some common disorders of the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?
Multiple sclerosis, depression, anxiety disorders, and schizophrenia.
137
What role does the MA have during the neurological examination?
To assist the physician by preparing instruments and helping the patient into the proper position.
138
What is the role of the autonomic nervous system?
To maintain homeostasis, such as body temperature control.
139
What are some neurologic diagnostic tests?
Arteriography, computed tomography (CT) scan, electroencephalogram (EEG), lumbar puncture, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and X-ray studies.
140
What is the purpose of the lumbar puncture kit during the procedure?
To provide necessary tools for the physician's use during the lumbar puncture.
141
What should be done with the laboratory requisition form after a lumbar puncture?
Fill it with the required information and prepare the specimens for the laboratory.
142
What is the significance of neurons in the nervous system?
Neurons are the functional unit of the nervous system.
143
What is the function of spinal nerves?
To carry impulses to and from the brain.
144
What is the role of the meninges?
To form the outer protective layer of the brain.
ma course
flashcards
Decks in class (44)
# Cards
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ma chapter 5 - assisting in dermatology106
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chapter 6 - nervous system144
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chapter 7 - diabetes treatment82
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ma - chapter 8 ENT126
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chapter 8 - eye155
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chapter 9 - immune and lymphatic systems117
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chapter 9 - diseases/disorders of the lymphatic system177
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chapter 10 - cardio system62
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chapter 10 - disorders of the cardio system65
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chapter 10 - cardio patient105
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chapter 10 - cardio diagnostics and treatment102
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chapter 11 - respiratory system105
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chapter 11 - pulmonary diagnostic procedures and treatments113
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chapter 12 - GI system disorders81
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chapter 12 - weight loss60
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chapter 13 - anatomy and physio of urinary system61
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chapter 13 - urinary system disorders/tests117
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chapter 13 - urine sample collection92
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chapter 13 - urinalysis110
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chapter 14 - male reproductive system97
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chapter 14 - female reproductive system92
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chapter 15 - behavioral health106
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chapter 16 - healthcare facilities102
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chapter 16 - healthcare team81
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chapter 16 - professionalism in healthcare69
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chapter 17 - communication in healthcare87
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chapter 17 - applied interpersonal communication89
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chapter 18 - legal basics106
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chapter 18 - medical malpractice91
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chapter 18 - legal system63
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chapter 19 - healthcare laws71
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chapter 20 - ama opinions on ethical behavior71
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chapter 20 - healthcare ethics56
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chapter 21 - electronic health records63
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chapter 22 - communicating with patients on phone33
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chapter 23 - scheduling, reception, telephone equipment43
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chapter 24 - technology70
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chapter 25 - written communication66
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chapter 26 - Ambulatory Care Facility Equipment and Supplies65
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chapter 26 - Ambulatory Care Facility Security and Safety40
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chapter 26 - Opening, Closing, and Administrative Duties in the Ambulatory Care Facility44
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chapter 27 - Health Insurance Basics44
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chapter 26 - health insurance52
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