Lecture 1: CNS Development and Brain Divisions

Question 1

During what time period does formation of the nervous system occur during embryonic development?

Answer 1

End of 2nd week to end of 8th week

Question 2

What are the 3 stages of neural tube development?

Answer 2

Neural plate
Neural folds
Neural tube

Question 3

What event must occur for the neural plate to complete formation?

Answer 3

Transition from simple cuboidal epithelium to simple columnar epithelium

Question 4

Name the divisions of the tripartite brain

Answer 4

Prosencephalon
Mesencephalon
Rhombencephalon

Question 5

Name the divisions of the pentapartite brain

Answer 5

Telencephalon
Diencephalon
Mesencephalon
Metencephalon
Myelencephalon

Question 6

Anencephaly

Answer 6

Failure of the cranial end of the neural tube to close; incompatible with life

Question 7

Holoprosencephaly

Answer 7

Failure of the prosencephalon to divide into 2 cerebral hemispheres; associated with facial deformities

Question 8

Spina bifida occulta

Answer 8

Results from a failure of the inferior neuropore to close; spinal cord function is usually normal

Question 9

Spina bifida cystica

Answer 9

Characterized by sac-like cyst at caudal end of spine; spinal cord/lower extremity/bladder/bowel functions may be impaired

Question 10

SB Meningocele

Answer 10

Only meninges found in sac; S/S vary depending on location and severity of malformation

Question 11

SB Meningomyelocele

Answer 11

Both meninges and spinal cord found in sac; ALWAYS results in abnormal growth of spinal cord

Question 12

SB Myeloschisis

Answer 12

Most severe form of SB cystica; failure of caudal neural folds to close

Question 13

Arnold-Chiari Deformity

Answer 13

Inferior cerebellum and medulla are elongated and protrude into vertebral canal; results in hydrocephalus, malformation of lower cranial nerves

Question 14

Which structures arise from the telencephalon?

Answer 14

Lateral ventricles, basal nuclei, olfactory lobes/nerves, cerebral hemispheres

Question 15

Which structures arise from the diencephalon?

Answer 15

Third ventricle, epithalamus, thalamus, hypothalamus and infundibulum

Question 16

Which structures arise from the mesencephalon?

Answer 16

Cerebral aqueduct, superior/inferior colliculi, tegmentum

Question 17

Which structures arise from the metencephalon?

Answer 17

Part of 4th ventricle, cerebellum, pons

Question 18

Which structures arise from the myelencephalon?

Answer 18

Part of 4th ventricle, medulla, posterior choroid plexus

Question 19

What are significant structures within the medulla?

Answer 19

Nuclei, pyramids, olives, vital and nonvital reflex centers

Question 20

What are significant structures within the pons?

Answer 20

Cranial nerve nuclei (V-VIII) and Pontine nuclei; sleep and respiratory centers

Question 21

What are some functions of the cerebellum?

Answer 21

coordinate skeletal muscle movement, maintain equilibrium and posture, synergistic control of muscle

Question 22

Peduncles

Answer 22

Large pairs of fiber tracts that connect the cerebellum to other parts of the brain

Question 23

What is the function of the superior and inferior colliculi?

Answer 23

Visual reflexes, Auditory/Olfactory reflexes

Question 24

What is the function of the thalamus?

Answer 24

Major relay center for afferent/efferent info to/from cerebrum and other brain areas

Question 25

What is the function of the epithalamus?

Answer 25

Emotional/visceral responses to odors, houses pineal body

Question 26

What are some functions of the hypothalamus?

Answer 26

Olfactory reflexes/emotional response to odors, control of ANS, visceral activity, body temperature, ECF volume, biorhythm

Question 27

What is the function of the basal nuclei in the telencephalon?

Answer 27

Subconscious motor control and muscle tone