CNS Anatomy Flashcards
(32 cards)
What are the three primitive germ layers formed during gastrulation?
Ectoderm, Mesoderm, Endoderm
Ectoderm forms skin and nervous system, Mesoderm forms muscle and connective tissue, Endoderm forms digestive and respiratory tubes.
What does the neuroectoderm give rise to?
Entire nervous system
Neuroectoderm is derived from the ectoderm layer during embryonic development.
What is the significance of the notochord in CNS development?
It releases signaling elements that induce neural plate formation
The notochord is crucial for establishing the body axis and influencing surrounding tissues.
What are the two major flexures in the development of the CNS?
Midbrain flexure, cervical flexure
These flexures are important for the proper folding and shaping of the neural tube.
What is the role of signaling molecules like shh and BMP in CNS development?
They specify dorso-ventral patterning
Shh is involved in ventral identity, while BMPs are involved in dorsal identity.
What are some consequences of inappropriate signaling during neural tube formation?
Spina bifida, anencephaly, holoprosencephaly
These conditions can arise from vitamin deficiencies, teratogens, or genetic factors.
What are the main regions of the brain formed from the primary vesicles?
Forebrain, Midbrain, Hindbrain
These regions further differentiate into various structures of the mature brain.
What are the three layers of cranial meninges?
Dura mater, Arachnoid mater, Pia mater
These layers protect the brain and contain cerebrospinal fluid.
What is the function of the choroid plexus?
Produces cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
CSF circulates within the ventricular system and around the brain.
What condition is characterized by increased fluid pressure due to obstruction of CSF flow?
Hydrocephalus
This can lead to brain swelling and increased intracranial pressure.
What is the primary blood supply to the brain?
Internal carotid and vertebral arteries
These arteries branch into several major cerebral arteries supplying different brain regions.
What are the two main types of strokes?
Ischemic stroke, Hemorrhagic stroke
Ischemic strokes are caused by blockage, while hemorrhagic strokes are due to bleeding.
What is the role of the thalamus?
Relay center for sensory and motor information
It processes and transmits information to the appropriate cortical areas.
What functions does the hypothalamus control?
Homeostatic functions, energy metabolism, reproductive activity, responses to threats
The hypothalamus is crucial for maintaining the body’s internal balance.
What is the primary function of the hippocampus?
Consolidation of memory
It plays a key role in forming new memories and is affected in conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.
What is the primary function of the amygdala?
Processing emotions, especially fear and aggression
It integrates sensory information to evoke emotional responses.
What are the primary functions of the cerebellum?
Motor control, coordination, detection and correction of motor errors
It ensures smooth and balanced movements.
What are the four lobes of the brain?
Frontal lobe, Parietal lobe, Temporal lobe, Occipital lobe
Each lobe has distinct functions related to various cognitive and sensory processes.
What is the role of association cortices?
Integrate information from different sensory modalities and cognitive processes
They account for a large portion of the cerebral cortex and are involved in higher-level functions.
What is hemispheric lateralization?
Functional specialization of each hemisphere of the brain
For example, in most individuals, language processing is primarily located in the left hemisphere.
What are Wernicke’s and Broca’s areas responsible for?
Wernicke’s area: language comprehension, Broca’s area: language production
Damage to these areas leads to specific language deficits.
What is the significance of the ‘split brain’ phenomenon?
It demonstrates the independent functions of the left and right hemispheres
Patients with split brains can identify objects in the right hand but struggle with the left.
Who are the authors of the book ‘Neuroanatomy, 3rd Ed.’?
William & Wilkinson, Crossman, AR
This book is published by Churchill Livingstone.
What is the title of the book authored by Haines in 2006?
Fundamental Neuroscience for Basic and Clinical Applications
This book is also published by Churchill Livingstone.
