GPT 2.12 Notes Flashcards
(23 cards)
What is the pathway of the motor system from cortex to muscle?
Motor cortex → corticospinal tract → spinal motor neurons → muscle
What is the sensory pathway from peripheral receptors to sensory cortex?
Peripheral receptors → dorsal root ganglia → spinal cord → thalamus → sensory cortex
What is the cortical homunculus?
Somatotopic map of body regions in motor and sensory cortex
What are dermatomes?
Skin areas supplied by sensory fibers from a single spinal nerve
What are myotomes?
Muscle groups innervated by motor fibers from a single spinal nerve
What are the main subcortical structures?
Basal ganglia, brainstem, cerebellum
What is the function of the basal ganglia?
Regulates movement initiation, coordination, and posture
What is the brainstem’s role?
Controls vital functions, cranial nerve nuclei, motor and sensory pathways
What is the cerebellum responsible for?
Coordination, balance, motor learning
What is the role of spinal nerves in neuro exam?
Test motor function, reflexes, and sensory input at specific spinal levels
What is the role of cranial nerves in neuro exam?
Assess sensory and motor functions of head and neck
What are the main divisions of the autonomic nervous system?
Sympathetic and parasympathetic systems
How does autonomic dysfunction present in MS?
Bladder/bowel issues, orthostatic hypotension, sexual dysfunction
What is the blood-brain barrier (BBB)?
Tight junctions in CNS vessels restricting passage of substances
Why is the BBB clinically relevant?
Protects brain but limits drug delivery; damaged in inflammation and MS
How is cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) produced and circulated?
Produced by choroid plexus, circulates through ventricles and subarachnoid space
What are CSF functions?
Cushions brain, removes waste, maintains homeostasis
What are key pathological features of multiple sclerosis?
Demyelination, inflammation, gliosis, axonal loss
What common neurological investigations aid diagnosis?
MRI, lumbar puncture (CSF analysis), nerve conduction studies, evoked potentials
What is known about genetics in MS?
Complex polygenic inheritance with environmental triggers
What environmental factors contribute to MS?
Vitamin D deficiency, Epstein-Barr virus infection, smoking
What immune mechanisms are implicated in MS?
Autoimmune T-cell and B-cell mediated attack on myelin
What controls swallowing?
Brainstem swallowing center integrating sensory input and motor output
