Lecture 32: Nervous 1 Flashcards
(105 cards)
What are the parts of a neuron
cell body
axon
dendrite
What are the 3 main functions of a neuron
transmit electrical and chemical signals
regulate impulses
axonal transport
What cell type makes up most of the CNS
astrocytes
What are the 3 functions of astrocytes
regulation
repair
form barrier
What is the glia limitans
The foot processes of astrocytes
What are microglia
CNS immune cells
What is the function of oligodendrocytes
make CNS myelin
What is the functions of the choroid plexus
makes CSF
What is the functions of ependymal cells
moves CSF through the ventricles
What is the gross appearance and function of CSF
clear fluid
protection - absorb shock
transports nutrients and removes waste
What is the pattern of flow of CSF in the CNS
lateral ventricle
3rd ventricle
mesencephalic aquaduct
4th ventricle
subarachnoid space
circulates multiple times per day
What are the layers of the meninges
dura mater (adhered to periosteum)
subarachnoid space
pia mater (attached to nervous tissue)
What makes up the blood brain barrier? Which is the key element
astrocyte foot processes/glia limitans
tight junctions in the endothelium
- this is the key element
blood vessel basement membrane
What are the leptomeninges
the arachnoid membrane and the pia mater
What feature of the blood brain barrier is key to its function
specialized transport systems in the cells
What features of neurons make them susceptible to injury
they have low glucose stores
very susceptible to free radicals
high metabolic rate
- they will die fast
Order, neurons, endothelial cells, and support cells in order of susceptibility to injury
high
neuron
support cell
endothelial cell
low
Describe the regeneration capacity of neurons
neurons/axons in the CNS have no ability to regenerate
- injury will result in neuro deficit/paralysis
in the PNS there is some ability to regenerate but it requires
- axonal transport
- nerve must be aligned
What is another name for axonal damage
wallarian degeneration
What causes wallarian degeneration? What are the gross features
many causes
- trauma
- toxin
- compression
reduces axon function and causes axonal swelling and myelin degeneration
- macrophages digest
What is the main mechanism of injury caused by space occupying lesions in the CNS?
there is no ability for tissues to expand
What are examples of causes of space occupying lesions in the CNS? What are the clinical consequences?
neoplasia
abcess
hemorrhage
hydrocephalus
the clinical effects are dependent on what part of the CNS is affected
How would you describe the ability of the CNS to resist infection
poor
if the organism is able to cross the BBB there are few mechanisms to strop it
What cell type facilitates healing in the CNS
astrocytes
but they cannot form strong capsules and so they break easily