Cerebrospinal Fluid Overview

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Questions and Answers

What composition primarily defines white matter in the spinal cord?

Densely packed cell bodies and dendrites

Unmyelinated axons

Synapses and neurotransmitters

Myelinated axons (correct)

Which nerves are responsible for movement in the spinal cord?

Thoracic nerves

Dorsal roots

Ventral roots (correct)

Cervical nerves

How many pairs of spinal nerves are connected to the spinal cord?

62 single nerves

31 pairs

31 single nerves

62 pairs (correct)

Which spinal nerves serve the lower back and legs?

5 lumbar nerves Signup and view all the answers

What is the condition referred to when there is a loss of sensation and movement in all four limbs?

Quadriplegia Signup and view all the answers

What are the axons from sensory neurons found in?

Dorsal roots Signup and view all the answers

Which type of damage leads to loss of sensation and movement in the lower torso and legs?

Lumbar-level damage Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the spinal cord contains cell bodies and dendrites?

Grey matter Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)?

To cushion the brain and spinal cord Signup and view all the answers

Where is cerebrospinal fluid produced?

In the choroid plexus Signup and view all the answers

How often is new cerebrospinal fluid produced?

Three times a day Signup and view all the answers

What result does hydrocephalus have on the brain?

It leads to increased intracranial pressure Signup and view all the answers

What does CSF circulate through?

Subarachnoid space, central canal, and cerebral ventricles Signup and view all the answers

CSF shares a similar composition to which of the following?

Blood plasma Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of a blockage of CSF?

Buildup of fluid leading to hydrocephalus Signup and view all the answers

Which structures house the cerebrospinal fluid in the brain?

Cerebral ventricles and subarachnoid space Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the hippocampus?

Learning and memory Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the brain is involved in impulse control?

Orbitofrontal cortex Signup and view all the answers

Damage to which area is most likely to cause anterograde amnesia?

Hippocampus Signup and view all the answers

What condition is associated with damage in the basal ganglia?

Parkinson’s disease Signup and view all the answers

The anterior cingulate cortex is involved in which of the following functions?

Processing pain Signup and view all the answers

What role does the amygdala play in the brain?

Response to fear and aggression Signup and view all the answers

Which structure connects the mammillary bodies and hippocampus?

Fornix Signup and view all the answers

Damage to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex is likely to cause which of the following issues?

Apathy and lack of planning Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the sensory cortex?

Processing incoming information from the sensory system Signup and view all the answers

Which area of the cerebral cortex is involved in analyzing sensory information regarding body position?

Primary somatosensory cortex Signup and view all the answers

What kind of damage is characterized by cortical blindness?

Loss of visual perception despite normal eyes Signup and view all the answers

Which lobe of the brain contains the primary auditory cortex?

Temporal lobe Signup and view all the answers

What does the primary motor cortex provide to the motor systems?

Volitional commands Signup and view all the answers

What additional function does the parietal lobe serve besides processing touch?

Monitoring body positions Signup and view all the answers

Which cortex is responsible for identifying visual patterns?

Inferior temporal cortex Signup and view all the answers

Which damage can lead to auditory or visual hallucinations?

Tumor in the temporal lobe Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the nervous system is encased in bone?

Central Nervous System Signup and view all the answers

What type of messages does the Peripheral Nervous System carry?

Both sensory and motor messages Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true about the cells in the Central Nervous System?

Cells do not regenerate after damage Signup and view all the answers

Which system is divided into sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions?

Autonomic Nervous System Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Somatic Nervous System (SNS)?

Control voluntary movements Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following components is NOT found in the Central Nervous System?

Peripheral Nerves Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) from the Central Nervous System (CNS)?

PNS allows for cell regeneration Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of membranes surrounds the Central Nervous System?

Three layers Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

Composition similar to blood plasma; serves as protective fluid around the brain and spinal cord.
Supports and cushions the brain, preventing pressure-induced neuronal damage (e.g., from tumors).
CSF circulates through the subarachnoid space, central canal of the spinal cord, and cerebral ventricles.
Produced by choroid plexus in ventricles, replacing itself three times daily; old CSF is reabsorbed into the bloodstream.
Hydrocephalus occurs when CSF is blocked, causing fluid buildup and brain expansion.

Spinal Cord

Comprised of white matter (myelinated axons) and grey matter (cell bodies and dendrites).
Axons from sensory neurons enter through dorsal roots; convey touch, pain, position, and temperature information.
Axons from motor neurons exit through ventral roots; responsible for movement.
Consists of 31 pairs of spinal nerves, dividing into dorsal (sensory) and ventral (motor) roots.
Segments include:
- 8 cervical nerves: head, neck, arms
- 12 thoracic nerves: torso
- 5 lumbar nerves: lower back, legs
- 5 sacral nerves: legs, genitals
- 1 coccygeal nerve

Spinal Cord Damage

Loss of sensation and voluntary movement below the damage site.
Quadriplegia: cervical damage causes loss of sensation and movement in all limbs.
Paraplegia: lumbar damage affects lower torso and legs, sparing arms.

Cerebral Cortex Functional Areas

Divided into three areas:
- Sensory Cortex: processes incoming sensory information.
- Motor Cortex: issues commands for voluntary movements.
- Association Cortex: integrates sensory and motor functions.

Occipital Lobe

Houses the primary visual cortex for processing visual information.
Damage leads to cortical blindness, where individuals lack conscious visual perception despite normal eyes.

Parietal Lobe

Primary somatosensory cortex is crucial for analyzing sensory information from the body.
Involved in perceiving the location of objects and body, and directing attention.

Temporal Lobe

Contains the primary auditory cortex for sound processing; also involved in facial recognition and memory.
Damage may result in auditory or visual hallucinations.

Frontal Lobe

Primary motor cortex issues commands for muscle movement; Broca's area is essential for speech production.
Prefrontal cortex contributes to attention, planning, and behavior; damage can impact personality and planning abilities.

Limbic System

Regulates motivated behaviors (e.g., fleeing, fighting).
Key structures include:
- Hippocampus: critical for learning and memory; damage causes anterograde amnesia.
- Amygdala: processes emotions like fear and aggression; influences emotional memory storage.
- Cingulate Cortex: involved in decision-making and pain processing.

Basal Ganglia

Group of subcortical structures vital for voluntary motor control.
Includes caudate nucleus, putamen, globus pallidus, and nucleus accumbens.
Dysfunction linked to conditions like Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, ADHD, and OCD.

Nervous System Overview

Central Nervous System (CNS): brain and spinal cord, encased in bone and covered by three membrane layers; lacks regenerative capabilities.
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): all nerves outside the CNS, facilitating sensory and motor communication with the body; can regenerate.
Divided into Somatic (SNS) and Autonomic (ANS) nervous systems. ANS includes sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions, regulating involuntary bodily functions.

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Description

This quiz covers essential information about cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), including its composition, function, and circulation. Learn how CSF protects the brain and spinal cord while keeping them buoyant within the skull.