The Cerebrum Flashcards
(42 cards)
The brain weighs
about 3 pounds
skull+brain weigh 11-14 pounds
2% body weight
20% body energy
The function of the brain is not related to ___
size.
But is related to number & organization of neurons
2 hemispheres of the brain
82% of brain’s mass
The cerebral cortex is made of
- Neuronal cell bodies (gray matter)
- Neuronal axons below (white matter)
The meninges
3-layer membrane surrounds delicate brain
Layers of meninges
- dura mater (tough mother)
- arachnoid mater (spider mother)
- Pia matter (faithful mother)
Dura mater
- Made of 2 layers (external/internal)
- Bound together except where they form sinuses
- allow CSF
Longitudinal Fissure
separates cerebral hemispheres
tentorium cerebelli
separates occipital from cerebellum
falx cerebelli
separates hemispheres of cerebellum
Function of meninges
Protects the brain
- shock absorber
- anchor CNS to limit brain movement
- support system blood vessels, nerves, lymphatics, and CSF
Where there are layers..
there are spaces
Types of spaces
- epidural
- subdural
- subarachnoid
Epidural space
between skull & dura mater
- spinal cord space between dura mater bones in vertebral column
- space analgesics/anesthesia injects
between 1+2 lumbar vertebra, spinal cord ends and only CSF - location lumbar puncture
Subdural space
between dura mater & arachnoid mater
- normal conditions not a space
- opened up if brain bleeds from trauma (subdural hematoma) which causes damage/possible stroke
What to do with subdural hematoma
mechanical compression and increase pressure
Subarachnoid space
between arachnoid and pia mater
- filled CSF, cushions & protects brain
Blood Brain Barrier (BBB)
highly selective, semi-permeable membrane
- lines blood vessels in brain
- acts as filter to protect CNS
- regulates which substances can pass through bloodstream into brain
- form tight packed specialized cells – form barriers around brain capillaries
blood is toxic to brain cells
blood and braincells touching can lead to cell death
Functions of BBB
- protects against foreign invaders and hormones/neurotransmitters in body
- maintains constant environment for brain (homeostasis)
BBB problems
- hypertension (high BP)
- developmental problems with BBB
- Hyperosmolality (increased levels of sodium or glucose)
- microwaves, radiation, infection, trauma, ischemia, inflammation, pressure
Circumventricular Organs (CVO)
Series of structures located around ventricular stystem (highly vascular (lack BBB))
link CNS, VS, Endocrine Sys: creating alternate route for hormones/neuropeptides
function of CVOs
sensory: monitor presence of toxic substances
secretory: secrete hormones (pineal & pituitary)
Toxins that cross BBB
- lead/mercury/iron
- alcohol/nicotine/caffeine
- some bacteria (meningitis)
- highly lipid soluble molecules
- diseases (cancer)
can limit crossover of some drugs (dopamine)