Shared Flashcard Set

Details

Ch 9: Neuro
Test 3
174
Pathology
Undergraduate 3
03/31/2012

Additional Pathology Flashcards

 


 

Cards

Term
Neurons
Definition
the fundamental functional unit of the nervous system
Term
cell body (aka: soma)
Definition
filled with cytoplasm and contains processes, including the nucleus, that support the metabolic demands of the cell
Term
dendrites
Definition
multiple, branched extensions of the cell body that transmit impulses to the cell body
Term
axons
Definition
carry impulses away from the cell body
Term
Sensory neurons (aka: afferent neurons)
Definition
carry impulses from receptors in the periphery to the brain and spinal cord in the CNS
Term
Motor neurons (aka: efferent neurons)
Definition
carry signals away from the spinal cord and brain to targets in the body that regulate activity
Term
interneurons
Definition
most abundant neuron type; provide connections between neurons, transmitting signals between afferent and efferent neurons
Term
glia
Definition
neural support cells; provide support and nutrition, maintain homeostasis, and form the myelin that covers the neurons of the brain
Term
CNS
Definition
contains: glial cells [containing: oligodendroglia (aka: oligodendrocytes), astroglia (aka: astrocytes), and microglia] and ependymal cells
Term
Oligodendrocytes
Definition
control myelin production and maintenance; they promote the speed of nerve impulse conduction in the CNS
Term
Astrocytes
Definition
provide transport mechanisms for the exchange of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and metabolites between blood vessels and neurons; stimulate phagocytosis; provide support to neural structures
Term
microglia
Definition
control phagocytosis of injured or damaged cells
Term
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
Definition
contain schwann cells and satellite cells
Term
Ependymal cells
Definition
line the ventricular system
Term
Schwann cells
Definition
stimulate myelin production and maintenance
Term
Satellite cells
Definition
provide physical support of neurons
Term
Nodes of Ranvier
Definition
interrupt the myelin sheath; rich in sodium channels and are necessary to promote the movement of the nerve impulse over long distances;
Term
Saltatory conduction
Definition
the process of impulses traveling down the axon jump from node to node in a stepwise fashion
Term
membrane potential
Definition
the difference in electrical charge between the inside and outside of the cell
Term
action potentials
Definition
electrical signals that allow neurons to communicate with other neurons and cells in the body; they travel along the entire neuron by allowing charged ions to flow through the channels in the semipermeable membrane around the nerve cell
Term
Polarize
Definition
a condition in the excitable cell when the intracellular compartment is more negative than the extracellular space
Term
Subthreshold
Definition
the point at which the cell is committed to an action potential
Term
axon hillock
Definition
the point at which the axon is joined by the cell body
Term
capacitor
Definition
structure that stores current
Term
resting membrane potential (RMP)
Definition
the membrane potential of a cell at rest
Term
depolarization
Definition
the result of rapid movement of sodium into the cell through sodium channels in the cell membrane;
Term
repolarization
Definition
the result of movement of potassium ions out of the cell
Term
synapse
Definition
small gap or junction that separates neurons; this is where information flows from one neuron to another neuron
Term
Electrical synapses
Definition
transmit impulses by passage of current-carrying ions through small openings or gap junctions
Term
Chemical synapses
Definition
transmit impulses across a small gap between cells via stimulation of neurotransmitters
Term
neurotransmitters
Definition
chemical agents affecting the function of another nearby cell or cells
Term
Presynaptic terminal
Definition
contain neurotransmitters packaged in vesicles, mitochondria, and other cellular organelles
Term
synaptic cleft
Definition
release of neurotransmitters permits diffusion of these neurotransmitters into
Term
postsynaptic membrane
Definition
neurotransmitters released from vesicles at the synaptic cleft are then available to bind with specific receptors on the postsynaptic membrane, promoting excitation or inhibition of the
Term
hypopolarization
Definition
changes membrane potential toward the point of threshold potential (less negative), promoting excitability=impulse or neuron firing
Term
hyperpolarization
Definition
has the opposite effect of moving the membrane potential away from threshold (more negative), promoting an inhibitory effect
Term
neuromodulator
Definition
chemical released from the axon terminals, which inhibits, potentiates, or prolongs, effects of neurotransmitter
Term
Chromatolysis
Definition
the swelling of a neuron because of injury
Term
Atrophy
Definition
decrease in size of cell (neuron)
Term
neuronophagia
Definition
phagocytosis and the inflammatory responses caused by a dead neuron damaging neighboring cells
Term
intraneuronal inclusions
Definition
distinctive structures formed in the nucleus or cytoplasm
Term
CNS
Definition
comprised of brain and spinal cord
Term
brain
Definition
receives and processes sensory information, initiating and coordinating motor responses
Term
spinal cord
Definition
conducts sensory information from the PNS and motor information from muscle to brain for processing
Term
somatic nervous system
Definition
refers to voluntary nervous control in skeletal muscles
Term
Visceral and autonomic nervous systems
Definition
regulate involuntary nervous control
Term
Lobes: sulci: gyri
Definition
4 lobes: separated by fissures, and irregular convolutions on the surface and have specialized functions
Term
Frontal lobe
Definition
reasoning, planning, speech, and movement
Term
parietal lobe
Definition
perception of touch, pressure, temperature, and pain
Term
temporal lobe
Definition
perception, memory, and recognition of auditory stimuli
Term
occipital
Definition
vision
Term
hemispheres
Definition
divide the brain in two halves; the right and left hemisphere communicate with each other through bundle of nerve fibers known as the CORPUS CALLOSUM
Term
left hemisphere
Definition
speech and language, calculations, math, logical abilities
Term
right hemisphere
Definition
visual imagery, face recognition, music, spacial abilities
Term
gray matter
Definition
primarily comprised of cell bodies; and is the tissue for the cerebral cortex, basal ganglia, hypothalamus, and thalamus
Term
white matter
Definition
tissue comprised primarily of myelinated axons and dendrites; all other brain structures
Term
spinal cord
Definition
serves as the main pathway for communication of messages and impulses from the periphery to the brain; it also is central to the control of reflex responses
Term
cauda equina
Definition
extensions of nerves in the spinal cord extending below the sacral level through the exit of the vertebral column
Term
dorsal horns
Definition
posterior extensions; contain sensory neurons that receive afferent impulses via the dorsal roots
Term
ventral horns
Definition
anterior extensions; contain efferent motor neurons that leave the cord through the ventral roots
Term
upper motor neurons (UMN)
Definition
include cell bodies in the motor cortex and the axons extending to the brainstem and spinal cord
Term
lower motor neurons (LMN)
Definition
located in the ventral horns of the spinal cord
Term
pyramidal motor system
Definition
controls voluntary movement; extends from the sensorimotor areas of the brain to the motor neurons of the ventral horn of the spinal cord
Term
extrapyramidal system
Definition
in the basal ganglia; motor function; fine-tunes and stabilizes movement
Term
blood-brain barrier
Definition
reduced permeability of capillaries in the brain to protect against exposure to potentially hazardous substances
Term
cerebrovascular circulation
Definition
perfuses the brain; contains the circle of willis
Term
meninges
Definition
membranes surrounding the brain and the spinal cord of the CNS; contains cerebral spinal fluid; includes the pia, arachnoid, and dura mater
Term
cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
Definition
fluid bathing the surface of the CNS structures of the brain and spinal cord; flows through four fluid-filled interconnecting ventricles in the brain
Term
choroid plexus
Definition
produces CSF
Term
interventricular foreman
Definition
area of passage of the CSF between the lateral to the third ventricle; aka Foramen of Monro
Term
cerebral aqueduct
Definition
connecting point of the third and fourth ventricles; aka Aqueduct of Slyvius
Term
peripheral nervous system
Definition
connects CNS to limbs and organs, transmitting neural impulses via sensory pathways into the dorsal horn and extending motor pathways beyond the ventral horn
Term
autonomic nervous system (ANS)
Definition
controls involuntary functions of organs; divisions: sympathetic and parasympathetic NS
Term
ganglion
Definition
group of nerve cell bodies
Term
preganglionic neurons
Definition
axon fibers extending from cell bodies in the brain or spinal cord to a group of nerve cell bodies
Term
postganglionic neurons
Definition
axons fibers projecting from an autonomic group of nerve cell bodies to a target organ
Term
dermatomes
Definition
particular body regions where spinal nerves carry info to and from
Term
plexus
Definition
interconnection of fibers where spinal nerves form together
Term
SNS
Definition
short preganglionic and long postganglionic fibers; spinal cord exit sites located between T1 and L2; main job: worry about perfusion to the heart and the brain
Term
Sympathetic nervous system
Definition
Increased heart rate, contractility, blood pressure, respiratory rate
Bronchial smooth muscle relaxation
Vascular smooth muscle constriction
Decreased constriction of bladder and peristalsis of gastrointestinal smooth muscle
Constriction of anal and bladder sphincter
Term
parasympathetic nervous system
Definition
long preganglionic and short postganglionic fibers; exit sites: cranial nerves between midbrain and medulla AND spinal nerves between S2 AND S4

Decreased heart rate, contractility, blood pressure, respiratory rate
Bronchial smooth muscle constriction
Vascular smooth muscle relaxation
Increased constriction of bladder and peristalsis of gastrointestinal smooth muscle
Relaxation of anal and bladder sphincter
Term
reflex arc
Definition
represents the process by which stimuli are received and interpreted, and in-turn stimulate a response
Term
astrogliosis
Definition
formation of a glial scar caused by proliferation of astrocytes in response to local tissue injury
Term
microglial nodules
Definition
structures formed by the union of microglia and astrocytes
Term
neuropathy
Definition
problem of nerve degeneration and to damage to cell body resulting in delayed nerve conduction and impaired sensory function
Term
demyelination
Definition
degradation of myelin
Term
traumatic CNS injury
Definition
MVA, falls, sports-related, shaken baby syndrome,
Term
blunt force trauma
Definition
head strikes a hard surface or is struck by a rapidly moving object; is an example of a CLOSED HEAD INJURY
Term
open traumatic injury
Definition
involves exposure of brain structures to the environment
Term
parasthesia
Definition
abnormal sensation like: burning, pricking, tickling, or tingling
Term
quadriplegia
Definition
paralysis of all four extremities
Term
ischemia injury
Definition
when there's not enough perfusion to the brain resulting in impaired oxygenation
Term
global ischemia
Definition
when there isn't enough blood supply to meet the needs of the brain tissue
Term
contralateral
Definition
opposite; when injury occurs: the S/S shown depend on what side of the brain the injury occurred on
Term
glutamate
Definition
main excitatory neurotransmitter in the body, active on the promotion of many higher-order functions
Term
decerebrate posture
Definition
extensor; everything is extended
Term
decorticate posture
Definition
flexor; elbows, wrist, fingers are flexed; everything comes in
Term
distal axonopathy
Definition
when injury affects the cells in distal areas of the body, like: hands and feet
Term
neuronopathy
Definition
damage to the cell body; cannot regenerate these cells
Term
Wallerian degeneration
Definition
when degeneration of the axon is caused by a crushing injury
Term
peripheral neuropathy
Definition
S/S caused from damage to peripheral nerves
Term
mononeuropathy
Definition
nerve trauma limited to single area
Term
polyneuropathy
Definition
peripheral damage involving multiple axons
Term
brachial plexus palsy
Definition
trauma to the brachial nerve plexus resulting in flaccid paralysis of the affected arm
Term
flaccid paralysis
Definition
usually temporary; relaxed, without tone
Term
Cerebral palsy
Definition
group of disorders resulting from damage to UMNs. Symptoms: during the first few years of life; damage occurs during prenatal, perinatal, or postnatal periods
Term
CP pathophysiology
Definition
central control of movement altered; cause UNK; classified by type of motor dysfunction or anatomy affected
Term
spastic
Definition
inability of muscles to relax
Term
athetoid or dyskinetic
Definition
inability to control muscle movement
Term
ataxic
Definition
inability to control balance and coordination
Term
hemiplegia
Definition
involving one arm or one leg on the same side of the body
Term
diplegia
Definition
involving both legs
Term
quadriplegia
Definition
involving all four extremities, the trunk, and neck muscles
Term
S/S of CP
Definition
limited fine motor skills; lack of coordination and balance; impaired cognitive function; speech disorder; seizure disorder
Term
tonic
Definition
state of continuous muscle contraction
Term
clonic
Definition
rapid successions of alternating muscle contraction and relaxation
Term
postictal state
Definition
physical state after recovery from seizure; manifested by extreme fatigue, headache, muscle pain, and weakness
Term
Dxing CP
Definition
H&P; neuro exams; identifying developmental milestones
Term
encephalopathy
Definition
brain disorder
Term
Tx for CP
Definition
no cure; supportive tx: pharmacology and assistive devices
Term
Drugs to control seizures
Definition
dilantin, tegretol, depakote, neurontin, lamictal, and topamax
Term
Drugs to reduce muscle spasms
Definition
valium, lioresal, and dantrium
Term
Multiple sclerosis (MS)
Definition
a disease of the CNS neurons and is characterized by the degeneration of myelin, a process known as DEMYELINATION
Term
MS
Definition
is a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting nerves in the CNS and peripheral nervous system; cause UNK;
Term
MS Risk Factors
Definition
white women of northern european ancestry; aged 20-40 yo
family hx; triggering event; autoimmunity; and regional variation
Term
MS pathophysiology
Definition
AUTOIMMUNE disease
Term
S/S of MS
Definition
r/t slowing of nerve conduction impulses down the nerve axon.
Term
4 clinical courses of MS
Definition
Relapsing-remitting; primary progressive; secondary progressive; progressive relapsing
Term
Relapsing-remitting
Definition
periods of acute neurologic symptoms (flare ups, exacerbations, relapses) alternating with periods of symptom relief or return of neurologic function (remissions)
Term
primary progressive
Definition
slow, chronic deterioration of neurological function not associated with exacerbations or remissions
Term
secondary progressive
Definition
initially presenting with RR characteristics of exacerbations and remissions, followed by a pattern of slow, chronic deterioration as seen in primary progressive
Term
progressive relapsing
Definition
steady progression of a decline in neurologic function also r/t exacerbations and possible remissions
Term
pseudobulbar affect
Definition
uncontrollable laughing or crying because of altered control of emotional responsiveness
Term
Dxing MS
Definition
H&P->Neuro; imaging; MRI
Term
Tx for MS
Definition
no cure; disease-modifying drugs: target symptoms and delay progression of the disease; immunosuppressants;
Term
Most common for of MS
Definition
RR
Term
Pharmacological
Definition
beta interferon; Copaxone (mimics the effects of myelin) for RR; Novantrone: primary tx for advanced or chronic MS
Term
Non-pharm tx for MS
Definition
balanced rest and activity; assistive devices
Term
Hydrocephalus
Definition
a condition of increased ventricular accumulation of CSF; can be congenital or acquired
Term
Pathophysiology of Hydrocephalus
Definition
Imbalance between the amount of fluid produced and the rate of fluid reabsorption, the accumulation of CSF leads to ventricular enlargement and increased intracranial pressure
Term
noncommunicating hydrocephalus
Definition
CSF flow obstruction
Term
communicating hydrocephalus
Definition
impaired CSF absorption
Term
Hydrocephalus caused by
Definition
intraventricular hemorrhage; neural tube defects; brain tumor; meningitis; traumatic injury; CSF flow obstruction; and Impaired CSF absorption
Term
S/S of Hydrocephalus
Definition
Age-dependent: infants and older children/adults
Term
Infant S/S:
Definition
Enlarged head with bulging fontanels
Scalp vein distention
Difficulty feeding
High, shrill cry
Term
Older child/adult S/S:
Definition
Impaired motor and cognitive function
Term
Increased intracranial pressure results in
Definition
Increased blood pressure
Altered heart rate
Headache
Vomiting
Decreased level of consciousness
Papilledema
Term
Dxing Hydrocephalus
Definition
Head circumference measurement; transillumination; imaging studies
Term
transillumination
Definition
shinging a light against the head to see accumulations of fluid in the tissue
Term
Tx for hydrocephalus
Definition
Goal: establish and maintain normal CSF volumes and pressure
Term
Ventriculoperitoneal shunt
Definition
flexible tube placed into the ventricle to shunt excess CSF into the peritoneal cavity
Term
Ventriculoatrial shunt
Definition
shunt that drains CSF into the right atrium of the heart
Term
Endoscopic third ventriculostomy
Definition
surgical placement of an opening in the floor of the third ventricle to allow free-flowing release of CSF into the basal cistern for absorption; best tx for communicating hydrocephalus
Term
Incomplete spinal cord transection
Definition
due to nerve root or myelinated tract damage, impairing the transduction of afferent or efferent neural impulses; it is a spinal cord injury altering neuronal transmission
Term
Complete injury
Definition
sensation and motor functions below the level of injury are lost
Term
partial cord transections categories
Definition
central cord, anterior cord, and Brown-Sequard snydrome
Term
S/S of SCI
Definition
vary depending on the level of injury and what nerves are involved
Term
Quadriplegia
Definition
injuries to the cervical spine
Term
paraplegia
Definition
injuries at the thoracic level
Term
central cord syndrome
Definition
central cord damaged by hyperextension injury resulting in loss of motor power and sensation in the upper extremities; bladder dysfunction of variable severity
Term
Anterior cord syndrome
Definition
anterior cord is affected because of 1. occlusion of the anterior spinal artery resulting in loss of motor function, temperature, and pain below the level of injury
2. bone fragments resulting in sensations of touch, pressure, vibration, and position intact
Term
Brown-sequard syndrome
Definition
hemisection of the anterior and posterior cord is stabbed or takes a gunshot with damage localized only to one side of the cord resulting in ipsilateral (same side) complete or partial paralysis, loss of touch, pressure, vibration, and positions sense below the level of injury
localized temperature sensations contralaterally
Term
Dxing SCI
Definition
Physical exam: cognitive function, motor function, and sensory function AND Imaging studies
Term
Tx for SCI
Definition
Traction (immobilize the spine), Anti-Inflammatory meds, Promote functional abilities
Term
SCI Drugs
Definition
Corticosteriods reduce inflammation in HIGH doses,
Term
Depression
Definition
condition of altered mood, also referred to as an affective disorder; it also involves altered thoughts and somatic complaints
Term
Pathophysiology of depression
Definition
altered neuronal communication die to deficiency of neurotransmitter amount or function in synapses of critical areas of the brain
Term
Autoreceptors
Definition
receptors involved in detection of chemicals to regulate the cell's own function
Term
monoamines
Definition
class of neurotransmitters including norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin
Term
syndrome
Definition
cluster of symptoms
Term
S/S of depression
Definition
altered mood, vegetative, cognitive, impulse control, behavioral, physical (somatic)
Term
Dxing depression
Definition
according to the DSM-IV criteria, major depressive episode must include > or = 5 symptoms w/n 2-week period
Term
Tx for depression
Definition
counseling, psychotherapy, and pharmacologic
Term
Drugs for depression
Definition
SSRIs, SNRIs, NDRIs, TCAs, MAOIs
Supporting users have an ad free experience!