CNS and Brain Structures Quiz

CNS Terms

• CNS refers to the Central Nervous System
• Dr. Jared Nii Oblitey is a Consultant Radiologist and Senior Lecturer at UG - Korle Bu.
• The CNS includes various parts like the brain, spinal cord, and the meninges.

Brain Structures

• Brain: The largest portion of the brain
• Cerebrum: The largest part of the brain, responsible for higher-level functions.
• Ventricle: Spaces within the cerebrum containing cerebrospinal fluid.
• Cerebellum: Located under the posterior portion of the cerebrum, responsible for coordination and balance.
• Brainstem: A stemlike portion of the brain connecting the brain and spinal cord.
• Pons: A bridge between the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem.
• Medulla Oblongata: Located between the pons and spinal cord; controls respiration, heart rate, and muscles in blood vessels.
• Spinal Cord: Passes through the vertebral canal to the second lumbar vertebra.
• Meninges: Three layers of membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. The three layers from the outside in are:
  • Dura: Outer meninges
  • Arachnoid: Delicate middle meninges
  • Pia: Thin inner layer of meninges

CNS Simplified

• Central Nervous System (CNS): Consists of the brain and spinal cord.
• Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): Includes nerves extending from the CNS to the rest of the body. Includes specific nerves like brachial plexus, musculocutaneous nerve, etc...

Neural Foramen and Spina Bifida

• Neural Foramen: Anatomical openings through which nerves pass
• Spina Bifida: A birth defect where the spinal column doesn't close completely.

Cerebral Thrombosis or Stroke

• Images: show various types of strokes: Cerebral embolus, Cerebral hemorrhage, Cerebral thrombosis

Procedural Terms

• Computed Tomography (CT) scan: A procedure using X-rays and computers to create images of the brain at any desired level. It is non-invasive and painless.
  • Alternative Name: CAT Scan
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Procedure using magnetic waves to create images of the brain and other bodily structures without the use of ionizing radiation.
• Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan: Injection of radioactive material to record the radioactive decay of the material in the brain and transmit the information to a television monitoring device.

Procedures

• Lumbar Puncture: Insertion of a needle into the subarachnoid space (between L3 and L4) to sample cerebrospinal fluid or inject contrast medium for imaging. (Myelography is a potential use)

CNS Conditions or Diseases

• Cerebellitis: Inflammation of the cerebellum
• Cerebral Thrombosis: Abnormal blood clot in the cerebrum
• Duritis: Inflammation of the dura mater
• Encephalitis: Inflammation of the brain
• Encephalomalacia: Softening of the brain
• Encephalomyeloradiculitis: Inflammation of the brain, spinal cord and nerve roots
• Gangliitis: Inflammation of the ganglion
• Meningocoele: Protrusion of the meninges through a skull or vertebral defect
• Meningomyelocoele: Protrusion of the meninges, cord and nerve roots through the vertebral column
• Bell's Palsy: Paralysis of muscles on one side of the face, usually temporary, can cause the mouth to sag on the affected side

Combining Forms

• Cerebell/o: Cerebellum
• Cerebr/o: Cerebrum
• Dur/o: Dura
• Encephal/o: Brain
• Gangli/o, Ganglion/o : Ganglion
• Mening/i, Meningi/o: Meninges
• Myel/o: Spinal Cord
• Neur/o: Nerve
• Radic/o, radicul/o, rhiz/o: Nerve root
• Esthesi/o: Sensation, sensitivity, feeling

Prefixes

• Hemi-: Half
• Pre-: Before
• Tetra-: Four

Suffixes

• -iatry: Treatment, specialty
• -ictal: Seizure, attack
• -paresis: Slight paralysis
• -plegia: Paralysis

Further reading for IA / General Considerations

• Alzheimers Disease: Neurological disorder, marked by cognitive decline.

• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Neurodegenerative disease affecting nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.

• Cerebral Palsy: Condition affecting movement and coordination, occurs from damage during early development.

• Cerebrovascular Accident: Stroke (blockage in blood supply to the brain)

• Epilepsy: Neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures.

• Hydrocephalus: Fluid build-up in the brain ventricles.

• Multiple Sclerosis: Autoimmune disease affecting nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.

• Neurosis: (Broad term) is anxiety/mood disorder, not a definitive disease

• Parkinson's Disease: Neurodegenerative disorder affecting movement.

• Reyes Syndrome: Rare but serious neurological disorder, often follow viral infection

• Sciatica: Pain radiating along the sciatic nerve.

• Shingles: Viral infection causing painful rash.

• Transient Ischemic Attack: (TIA): Brief interruption of blood flow to the brain, often a warning sign of a potential stroke.

• Neurasthenia: Nerve weakness

• Rhizomeningomyelitis: Inflammation of the nerve root, meninges and spinal cord

Test your knowledge on the Central Nervous System (CNS) and its various components, including key brain structures such as the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem. This quiz will cover essential terms and functions associated with the CNS, helping to reinforce your understanding of neuroscience.