Lecture 3 - Neurology Basics #1 - AI Powered Questions Flashcards
(34 cards)
What is the basic unit of the nervous system?
Neuron
Neurons are responsible for perception, cognition, and motor control.
How many neurons are estimated to be in the human brain?
About 100 billion
Neurons are tightly packed and control all brain functions.
What are glial cells?
Support cells that maintain the structure of the nervous system
They hold neurons in place and are not active in signal transmission.
What is the role of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF)?
To provide a protected environment for the brain and spinal cord
CSF prevents pathogens and large molecules from entering the nervous system.
What is the difference between gray matter and white matter?
Gray matter consists of neuron cell bodies, while white matter consists of myelin sheaths around axons
Gray matter appears gray and includes dendrites, soma, and axons.
What is myelin?
A protective insulation around axons
Myelin is produced by Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system and oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system.
What condition is characterized by the immune system attacking the myelin sheath?
Multiple sclerosis
This condition affects sensory and motor functions by impairing signal transmission.
What is a nerve impulse?
An electro-chemical event that allows neurons to communicate
It involves a change in voltage across the neuron’s membrane.
What is the resting state of a neuron?
A negative charge inside relative to the fluid around it
This state must change to positive for the neuron to fire.
What happens when a neuron reaches its threshold?
An action potential is generated
This is an all-or-nothing event where the neuron either fires or does not.
What are the two types of signals that affect neuron firing?
Excitatory and inhibitory signals
Excitatory signals promote firing, while inhibitory signals reduce the likelihood of firing.
What is synaptic pruning?
The process of eliminating less useful synaptic connections during development
This helps strengthen connections that are more beneficial for learning.
What is the central nervous system composed of?
The brain and spinal cord
Both structures contain gray matter and white matter.
What are the protective layers around the brain and spinal cord called?
Meninges
These layers help maintain a protected environment filled with CSF.
What is the blood-brain barrier?
A selective barrier that allows certain small molecules to enter the CSF
It protects the brain from larger pathogens and some medications.
What are the four main lobes of the brain?
- Frontal lobe
- Parietal lobe
- Temporal lobe
- Occipital lobe
Each lobe has specific functions related to cognition, sensory processing, and motor control.
What is the function of the frontal lobe?
Cognitive function and voluntary motor control
It is involved in problem solving, judgment, and emotions.
What does the parietal lobe process?
Sensory information like touch and taste
It helps in understanding body position and movement.
What is the role of the temporal lobe?
Processing auditory information and comprehension of spoken language
It recognizes and interprets sounds.
What is the occipital lobe responsible for?
Processing visual information
It interprets signals from the optic nerve.
What structures make up the brainstem?
- Midbrain
- Pons
- Medulla
The brainstem controls essential autonomic functions.
What is the primary function of the medulla?
Regulating autonomic functions like breathing and heart rate
Damage to the brainstem can be fatal due to its control over these functions.
What is the relationship between the spinal cord and the vertebrae?
The spinal cord runs through the bones of the spine
It is protected by the vertebrae.
What part of the central nervous system is responsible for basic functions like breathing and heart rate control?
Brainstem
A large brainstem stroke can be fatal due to its control over these essential functions.
