Module 10: Nervous System Flashcards
(200 cards)
1
Q
What are the two major divisions of the nervous system?
A
The central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS)
2
Q
What does the central nervous system consist of?
A
The brain and the spinal cord
3
Q
What does the peripheral nervous system consist of?
A
Cranial nerves, spinal nerves, plexuses, and peripheral nerves
4
Q
What is the 10th cranial nerve called?
A
The vagus nerve
5
Q
What does the vagus nerve do?
A
Carries messages to and from the neck, chest, and abdomen
6
Q
What do cranial nerves do? and which nerve is the exception?
A
Carry impulses between the brain and the head and neck, the vagus nerve is the exception
7
Q
What do spinal nerves do?
A
They carry messages between the spinal cord and the chest, abdomen, and extremeties
8
Q
Plexus
A
A large network of nerves in the peripheral nervous system
9
Q
List 3 different Plexus networks
A
- cervical, 2. brachial, 3. lumbosacral, 4. lymphatic, 5. rectal, vertebral
10
Q
What are sense receptors?
A
They are nerves that help the body respond to changes in the outside world
11
Q
What are examples of sense receptors?
A
Sight, hearing, balance, smell (olfactory), and touch
12
Q
What are sensory (afferent) nerves?
A
Nerves that carry messages related to changes in the environment TOWARD the spinal cord and brain
13
Q
What are moto (efferent) nerves?
A
Nevers that travel FROM the spinal cord and brain to muscles of the body telling them how to respond
14
Q
Vertebral plexus
A
a plexus of veins related to the backbone
15
Q
rectal plexus
A
a plexus of veins in the rectal region
16
Q
lymphatic plexus
A
an interconnecting network of lymph vessels
17
Q
neuron
A
an individual nerve cell, a microscopic structure
18
Q
stimulus
A
Begins an impulse in the branching fibers of the neuron called dendrites
19
Q
dendrites
A
branching fibers of the neuron
20
Q
cell body
A
contains the cell nucleus
21
Q
ganglia (singular: ganglion)
A
small collections of nerve cell bodies outside the brain and spinal cord
22
Q
axon
A
carries the impulse away from the cell body. They are covered with fatty tissue called myelin
23
Q
what is the purpose of myelin sheath?
A
to insulate the axon and speed transmission of the electrical impulse. Gives a white appearance, hence the term white matter.
24
Q
Demyelination
A
The loss of myelin insulating the nerve fiber and is a characteristic of multiple sclerosis
25
What is the gray matter of the brain and spinal cord?
It is composed of the cell bodies of the neurons that appear gray because they are not covered by a myelin sheath
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terminal end fibers
nervus impulses pass through the axon to leave the cell via this structure at the end of the neuron
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synapse
The space where the nervous impulse jumps from one neuron to another
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neurotransmitter
the transfer of the impulse across the synapse depends on the release of a chemical substance that is released by the neuron that brings the impulse to the synapse
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Where are the neurotransmitters located?
In tiny sacs (vesicles) containing the neurotransmitter are located at the ends of the neurons and they release the neurotransmitter into the synapse
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List 6 types of neurotransmitters
acetylcholine, norepinephrine, epinephrine (adrenaline), dopamine, serotonin, and endorphines
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nerve
a macroscopic structure within the nervous system
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what does a nerve consist of?
consists of a bundle of dendrites and axons that travel together like strands of rope
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where do peripheral nerves travel to?
They travel to the brain and spinal cord from stimulus receptors like the skin, eye, ear, and nose are afferent or sensory nerves
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Afferent or sensory nerves
carry impulses from external organs to the brain and spinal cord (toward brain)
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Efferent or motor nerves
carry impulses from the CNS to organs that produce responses such as muscles and glands (away from brain)
36
parenchyma
is the essential distinguishing tissue of an organ (e.g., in the brain and spinal cord, neurons are the parenchymal tissue)
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stroma of an organ
is the connective and supportive tissue of an organ
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what does the stromal tissue of the nervous system consist of?
glial (neuroglial) cells which make up its supportive framework and help it ward off infection.
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Glial (neurological) cells
Make up the supportive framework of the stromal tissue in the nervous system, they do not transmit impulses, and they are far more numerous than neurons and can reproduce
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What are the 4 types of supporting or glial cells?
1. Astrocytes (astroglial cells) 2. microglial cells 3. oliodendroglial cells (oligodendrocytes) 4. ependymal cells
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Astrocytes (astroglial cells)
star-like in appearance and transport water and salts between capillaries and neurons
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astr/o
star
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microglial cells
small cells with many branching processes (dendrites)
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oligodendroglial cells (oligodendrocytes)
as phagocytes, they protect neurons in response to inflammation and have a few dendrites
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olig/o
few or scanty
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ependymal cells
line membranes within the brain and spinal cord where CSF is produced and circulates
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Which glial cell is associated with blood vessels and regulate the passage of potentially harmful substances from the blood into the nerve cells of the brain?
astrocytes
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blood-brain barrier (BBB)
a protective barrier between the blood and brain cells
49
What does the BBB consist of?
consists of a special lining (endothelial) cells, which along with astrocytes separate capillaries from nerve cells
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How much does the brain weigh?
3 pounds
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cerebrum
the largest part of the brain, the "thinking" area
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cerebral cortex
on the surface of the cerebrum, nerve cells lie in sheets
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gyri (plural: gyrus)
sheets in the cerebral cortex are arranged in folds and are separated from each other by grooves
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sulci
grooves that separate the gyri
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cerebral hemispheres
the right and left side of the brain
56
List the 4 lobes in the brain
frontal lobe, parietal lobe, temporal lobe, occipital lobe
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What does the frontal lobe do?
responsible for thought processes, behaviour, personality, and emotion
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What does the parietal lobe do?
responsible for body sensations, visual and spatial perception
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What does the occipital lobe do?
responsible for vision
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What does the temporal lobe do?
responsible for hearing, understanding speech, and language
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ventricles
spaces or canals in the middle of the cerebrum
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cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
a watery fluid that flows throughout the brain and around the spinal cord
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What is the purpose of the CSF?
it protects the brain and spinal cord from shock by acting like a cushion
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What does CSF look like?
It is usually clear and colorless and contains lymphocytes, sugar, and proteins
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lumbar puncture (LP)
A procedure in which spinal fluid can be withdrawn for diagnosis or relief of pressure on the brain.
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how is the lumbar puncture performed?
It uses a hollow needle inserted into the lumbar region of the spinal column below the region where the nervous tissue of the spinal cord ends and the CSF is withdrawn
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thalamus
a part of the brain that acts like a triage center. It decides what is important and what is not, selectively processing and relaying sensory information to the cerebral cortex
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hypothalamus
(below the thalamus) contains neurons that control body temperature, sleep, appetite, sexual desire, and emotions such as fear and pleasure. It also regulates the release of hormones from the pituitary gland at the base of the brain and integrates activities of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system
68
List the structures within the brain that lie in the back and below the cerebrum and connect the cerebrum with the spinal cord
cerebellum, pons, and medulla oblongata
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What structures are part of the brainstem?
pons and medulla
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cerebellum
functions to coordinate voluntary movements and to maintain balance and posture
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pons
a part of the brainstem that literally means bridge. It contains nerve fiber tracts that connect the cerebellum and cerebrum with the rest of the brain (nerves to the eyes and face are here)
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medulla oblongata
in the brainstem, connects the spinal cord with the rest of the brain. Nerve tracts across from right to left and left to right
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What 3 important centers that regulate internal activities does the medulla oblongata contain?
1. respiratory center, 2. cardiac center, 3. vasomotor center
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respiratory center
controls muscles of respiration in response to chemicals or other stimuli
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cardiac center
slows the heart rate when the heart is beating too rapidly
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vasomotor center
affects (constricts or dilates) the muscles in the walls of blood vessels, thus influencing blood pressure
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spinal cord
a column of nervous tissue extending from the medulla oblongata to the second lumbar vertebra within the vertebral column
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cauda equina
the area below the end of the spinal cord, latin for "horse's tail, is a fan of nerve fibers
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What does the inner region of the spinal cord contain?
gray matter, containing cell bodies and dendrites
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What does the outer region of the spinal cord contain?
white matter, containing the nerve fiber tracts with myelin sheaths
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meninges
three layers of connective tissue membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord
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What is the outermost membrane of the meninges called?
Dura matter
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dura matter
a thick, tough membrane that contains channels (dural sinuses) that contain blood
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What is the second layer surrounding the brain and spinal cord called?
Arachnoid membrane
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arachnoid membrane
a (spider-like) membrane that is loosely attached to the other meninges by web-like fibers
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What is the space for fluid between the arachnoid membrane web-like fibers called?
subarachnoid space
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subarachnoid space
the space for fluid between the fibers of the arachnoid membrane containing CSF
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What is the third layer of the meninges closest to the brain and spinal cord called?
pia mater
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Pia mater
it contains delicate connective tissue with a rich supply of blood vessels
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most physicians refer to the pia and arachnoid membranes together and call it what?
pia-arachnoid
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autonomic nervous system
nerves that control involuntary body functions of muscles, glands, and internal organs
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sciatic nerve
nerve extending from the base of the spine down the thigh, lower leg, and foot
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sciatica
is pain or inflammation along the course of the nerve
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cerebell/o
cerebellum
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cerebr/o
cerebrum
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dur/o
dura mater
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encephal/o
brain
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gli/o
glial cells
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lept/o
thin, slender
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mening/o and meningi/o
membranes, meninges
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subdural hematoma
results from the tearing of veins between the dura and arachnoid membranes, often a result of blunt trauma
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epidural hematoma
occurs between the skull and the dura as the result of a ruptured meningeal artery, usually after a fracture of the skull
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intracerebral hematoma
caused by bleeding directly into brain tissue, such as can occur in the case of uncontrolled hypertension (high blood pressure)
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my/o
muscle
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myel/o
spinal cord (means bone marrow in other contexts)
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neur/o
nerve
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pnt/o
pons
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radicul/o
nerve root (of spinal nerves)
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thalam/o
thalamus
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thec/o
sheath (refers to the meninges)
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bag/o
vagus nerve (10th cranial nerve)
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alges/o
excessive sensitivity to pain
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-algesio
excessive sensitivity to pain
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polyneuropathies
affect many nerves
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mononeuropathies
affect individual nerves
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-algia
pain
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caus/o
burning
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comat/o
deep sleep (coma)
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esthesi/o
feeling, nervous sensation
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-esthesia
feeling, nervous sensation
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kines/o, kinesi/o
movement
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-kinesia, -kinesis, -kinetic
movement
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-lepsy
seizure
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lex/o
word, phrase
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-paresis
weakness
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-phasia
speech
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-plegia
paralysis (loss or impairment of the ability to move parts of the body)
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-praxia
action
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-sthenia
strength
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syncop/o
to cut off, cut short
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tax/o
order, coordination
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sympathetic nerves
involuntary nerves that stimulate the body in times of stress or crisis
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parasympathetic nerves
involuntary, autonomic nerves that regulate normal body functions such as heart rate, breathing, and muscle of the gastrointestinal tract
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synapse
the microscopic space through which an impulse is transmitted
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in the peripheral system, how many pairs of cranial nerves and spinal nerves are there?
12 and 31
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hydrocephalus
abnormal accumulation of fluid (CSF) in the brain
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spina bifida
congenital defects in the lumbar spinal column caused by imperfect union of vertebral parts (neural tube defect)
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spina bifida cystica
a more severe form with cyst-like protrusions
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miningocele
meninges protrude to the outside of the body
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myelomeningocele
both spinal cord and meninges protrude
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alzheimer disease (AD)
brain disorder marked by gradual and progressive mental deterioration (dementia), personality changes, and impairment of daily functioning
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senile plaques
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neurofibrillary tangles
bundles of fibrils in the cytoplasm of a neuron
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amyloid
a protein
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amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
degenerative disorder of motor neurons in the spinal cord and brainstem aka Lou Gehrig disease
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epilepsy
chronic brain disorder characterized by recurrent seizure activity
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aura
proceeds a seizure, which is a peculiar sensation experienced by the affected person before onset of a seizure e.g., dizziness and numbness
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absence seizures
a form of a seizure consisting of momentary clouding of consciousness and loss of awareness of a person's surroundings
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tonic-clonic seizures (grand mal or ictal events)
characterized by a sudden loss of consciousness, falling down, and then tonic contractions (stiffening of muscles) followed by clonic contractions (twitching and jerking movements of the limbs)
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petit mal seizures
common in children, another name for absence seizures
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temporal lobe epilepsy
seizures begin in the temporal lobe, on each side of the brain near the ears
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complex partial seizure
most common type, complex means impaired consciousness and complex means not generalized, commonly these patients have seizures that cause them to pause whatever they are doing and become confused and have memory problems
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huntington disease (huntington chorea)
hereditary disorder marked by degenerative changes in the cerebrum leading to abrupt involuntary movements and mental deterioration with a shuffling gait
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multiple sclerosis (MS)
destruction of the myelin sheath on neurons in the CNS and its replacement by plaques of sclerotic (hard) tissue
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gait
manner of walking
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myasthenia gravis (MG)
autoimmune neuromuscular disorder characterized by weakness of voluntary muscles
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palsy
paralysis (partial or complete loss of motor function)
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cerebral palsy
is the partial paralysis and lack of muscular coordination caused by loss of oxygen (hypoxia) or blood flow to the cerebrum during pregnancy or in the perinatal period
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Bell palsy
is paralysis on one side of the face
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parkinson disease (parkinsonism)
degeneration of neurons in the basal ganglia, occurring in later life and leading to tremors, weakness of muscles, and slowness of movement
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tourette syndrome
involuntary, spasmodic, twitching movements; uncontrollable vocal sounds; and inappropriate words and is associated with an excess of or hypersensitivity to dopamine
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tics
involuntary movements, usually beginning with twitching of the eyelid and muscles of the face with verbal outbursts
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herpes zoster (shingles)
viral infection affecting peripheral nerves
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meningitis
inflammation of the meninges; leptomeningitis
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human immunodeficiency virus (HIC) encephalopathy
brain disease and dementia occurring with AIDS
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brain tumor
abnormal growth of brain tissue and meninges
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gliomas
most primary brain tumors arise from glial cells or meninges (meningiomas)
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cerebral edema
tumors can cause swelling and hydrocephalus
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cerebral concussion
type of traumatic brain injury caused by a blow to the head
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cerebral contusion
bruising of brain tissue as a result of direct trauma to the head
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cerebrovascular accident (CVA)
disruption in the normal blood supply to the brain; stroke
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stroke aka cerebral infarction
is the result of impaired oxygen supply to the brain
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what are the 3 different types of strokes?
1. thrombotic 2. hemorrhagic 3. embolic
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thrombotic stroke
blood clot (thrombus) in the arteries leading to the brain resulting in occlusion (blocking) of the vessel
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What does TIAs stand for?
Transient Ischemic Attacks
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hemorrhagic stroke
caused by cerebral arterial wall rupture
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embolic stroke
caused by an embolus (dislodged thrombus) that travels to cerebral arteries and occludes a small vessel
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What does tPA stand for?
Tissue Plasminogen Activator
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migraine
severe, recurring, unilateral, vascular headache
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cerebrospinal fluid analysis
samples of CSF are examined
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cerebral angiography
x-ray imaging of the arterial blood vessels in the brain after injection of contrast material
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Computed tomography (CT) of the brain
computerized x-ray technique that generates multiple images of the brain and spinal cord
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magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
magnetic field and pulses of radiowave energy create images of the brain and spinal cord
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positron emission tomography (PET) scan
radioactive glucose is injected and then detected in the brain to image the metabolic activity of cells
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doppler ultrasound studies
sound waves detect blood flow in the carotid and intracranial arteries
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electroencepalography (EEG)
recording of the electrical activity of the brain
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lumbar puncture (LP)
CSF is withdrawn from between two lumbar vertebrae for analysis
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stereotactic radiosurgery
use of a specialized instrument to locate and treat targets in the brain
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Gamma Kinfe
a high-energy radiation beam
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What does PSRS stand for?
Proton Stereotactic Radiosurgery
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Dyskinesia
the medical term for abnormal, involuntary, spasmodic movement
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informal name for a lumbar puncture?
spinal tap
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What does the treatment of hydrocephalus involve?
The use of a shunt to drain the excess cerebrospinal fluid
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what is a treatment for parkinson disease?
placement of electrodes in the brain
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a disorder that usually recovers spontaneously
bell palsy
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myelomeningocele
the protrusion of the meninges and spinal cord through a defect in the spinal column
197
Analgesic medication
to relieve postoperative pain
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The first part of the nerve cell to receive the impulse is the
dendrite
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