Nervous System Anatomy

What structures comprise the central nervous system (CNS)?

What does the peripheral nervous system (PNS) consist of?

What are the key functions of the cerebral cortex?

What are the basal ganglia and what system are they part of?

What is the primary role of the thalamus?

What are the major functions of the hypothalamus?

What functions does the cerebellum control?

What structures make up the brain stem and what is its overall function?

Explain the concept of crossed representation in the nervous system.

What is the fundamental purpose of reflexes within the nervous system?

What is a common example of a deep tendon (myotatic) reflex?

What is an example of a superficial (cutaneous) reflex, and what does it primarily assess?

Provide an example of a visceral (organ) reflex.

What sensory function is associated with CN I (olfactory nerve)?

How is CN II (optic nerve) typically assessed?

Which three cranial nerves are responsible for eye movements and pupillary responses?

What functions are evaluated when testing CN V (trigeminal nerve)?

How is CN VII (facial nerve) function typically assessed?

What tests are commonly used to assess CN VIII (acoustic or vestibulocochlear nerve)?

Which functions are commonly assessed together for CN IX (glossopharyngeal) and CN X (vagus) nerves?

How is CN XI (spinal accessory nerve) function tested?

How is CN XII (hypoglossal nerve) function assessed?

What are common tests used to assess rapid alternating movements (RAM)?

What is tandem walking?

Describe the Romberg test procedure.

What sensory modalities are primarily transmitted by the anterolateral (spinothalamic) tract?

What sensory modalities are primarily transmitted by the posterior (dorsal) column tract?

What is stereognosis?

What is graphesthesia?

What is two-point discrimination?

Describe the phenomenon of extinction in sensory testing.

What is the point location test?

What does a deep tendon reflex score (DTRS) of 4+ indicate?

Which spinal nerve roots are primarily assessed by eliciting the biceps reflex?

Which spinal nerve roots are primarily assessed by eliciting the brachioradialis reflex?

Which spinal nerve roots are primarily assessed by eliciting the quadriceps reflex (knee jerk)?

Which spinal nerve roots are primarily assessed by eliciting the Achilles reflex (ankle jerk)?

What is clonus in the context of reflex testing?

Sustained clonus is typically associated with what type of neurological disease?

Which spinal cord segments are tested by the upper abdominal reflexes?

Which spinal cord segments are tested by the cremasteric reflex?

Which spinal cord segments are primarily involved in the plantar reflex?

What score represents a normal finding on the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)?

A Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score below what value is generally considered an indication for intubation?

What does the acronym FAST stand for in the context of recognizing stroke symptoms?

List several common warning signs of Alzheimer's disease.

What is flaccidity?

Describe cogwheel rigidity.

What are fasciculations?

What is myoclonus?

What is chorea?

What is athetosis?

What types of tremors are particularly noted for potentially interfering with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)?

What conditions commonly result in a spastic hemiparesis gait?

Describe the typical gait pattern seen in cerebellar ataxia.

What are the characteristic features of a Parkinsonian gait?

Describe a scissor gait and identify a condition often associated with it.

What characterizes a steppage or footdrop gait?

What is the defining characteristic of muscular dystrophy?

What does hemiplegia mean?

Describe the underlying pathology of Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

What is peripheral neuropathy?

What are the characteristic sensory deficits in Brown-Sequard syndrome?

What is a key feature of acute spinal cord compression?

What pattern of sensory loss is typically associated with a lesion in the thalamus?

What type of sensory loss is characteristic of a lesion in the sensory cortex (parietal lobe)?

Describe the posture seen in decorticate rigidity.

What type of brain lesion typically causes decorticate rigidity?

What does flaccid quadriplegia indicate?

What is opisthotonos, and what condition does it often indicate?

What is the Babinski reflex, and what is its significance in adults?

What constitutes the central nervous system (CNS)?

What is the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

Describe the cerebral cortex and its functions.

What are the basal ganglia?

What is the main function of the thalamus?

What is the function of the hypothalamus?

What is the brain stem, what functions does it control, and what parts does it contain?

What is the primary function of reflexes in the nervous system?

What is another name for deep tendon reflexes, and provide an example?

What is another name for superficial reflexes, and what do they assess?

What is another name for visceral reflexes, and provide an example?

What is the function of CN I (olfactory nerve) and is it routinely tested?

What functions and tests are associated with CN II (optic nerve)?

Which cranial nerves are assessed together for checking PERRLA and the 6 cardinal fields of gaze?

What assessments are performed for CN V (trigeminal nerve)?

What assessment is commonly used for CN VII (facial nerve)?

What tests are used to assess CN VIII (acoustic or vestibulocochlear nerve)?

What functions are assessed for CN IX (glossopharyngeal) and CN X (vagus) nerves?

What movements are assessed for CN XI (spinal accessory nerve)?

What movement is assessed for CN XII (hypoglossal nerve)?

What does RAM stand for in neurological testing, and provide examples of tests?

Describe tandem walking.

Describe the Romberg test and what is observed.

What sensations are mediated by the anterolateral (spinothalamic) tract?

What sensations are mediated by the posterior (dorsal) column tract?

What is stereognosis and which tract does it primarily assess?

What is graphesthesia and which tract does it primarily assess?

What is two-point discrimination and which tract does it primarily assess?

What is the extinction test in neurological assessment and which tract function does it involve?

Describe the point location test and which tract function does it involve?

Describe a Deep Tendon Reflex Scale (DTRS) score of 4.

Which spinal cord segments does the biceps reflex assess?

Which spinal cord segments does the brachioradialis reflex assess?

Which spinal cord segments does the quadriceps reflex (knee jerk) assess?

Which spinal cord segments does the Achilles reflex (ankle jerk) assess?

Sustained clonus is associated with what type of disease?

Which spinal cord segments are assessed by the lower abdominal reflexes?

Which spinal cord segments are assessed by the plantar reflex?

What is a normal Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score?

Below what Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score should a patient typically be considered for intubation?

What does the acronym FAST stand for in the context of stroke recognition?

List some warning signs of Alzheimer's disease.

Define flaccidity in relation to muscle tone.

What is myoclonus? Provide an example.

Describe athetosis.

Name the types of tremors mentioned that can affect Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).

In what conditions is spastic hemiparesis often seen?

Describe the gait associated with cerebellar ataxia.

Describe the characteristics of a Parkinsonian gait.

Describe a scissor gait and a condition it might be associated with.

When might a steppage or footdrop gait be observed?

What is the primary characteristic of muscular dystrophy?

Define hemiplegia.

Describe the pathology of Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Describe the sensory loss pattern in Brown-Sequard syndrome.

Describe the typical sensory loss pattern in acute spinal cord compression and list some potential causes.

What pattern of sensory loss occurs with a lesion in the thalamus?

What type of sensory loss occurs with a lesion in the sensory cortex?

Describe the posture associated with decorticate rigidity.

What type of lesion typically causes decorticate rigidity?

What is flaccid quadriplegia and what does it often indicate?

Describe opisthotonos and what it indicates.

Describe the Babinski reflex and its significance in adults.

What does the central nervous system (CNS) consist of?

What is included in the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

Which part of the brain is the center of higher-level functions like thought, memory, reasoning, sensation, and voluntary movement?

What is the role of the basal ganglia?

Which brain structure acts as the main relay station for sensory information?

The _____ is a major respiratory center and also controls basic functions like temperature, appetite, and sleep.

What are the main functions of the cerebellum?

The brain stem is responsible for vital functions and contains the midbrain, pons, and medulla.

What is meant by 'crossed representation' in the nervous system?

Reflexes are basic _____ mechanisms of the nervous system.

Superficial (cutaneous) reflexes, like the plantar reflex, primarily assess sensory receptors in the _____ rather than muscles.

Pupillary response to light and accommodation is an example of which type of reflex?

Which cranial nerve (CN) is associated with the sense of smell?

What tests are typically used to assess the function of CN II (optic)?

Assessing PERRLA (Pupils Equal, Round, Reactive to Light and Accommodation) and the 6 cardinal fields of gaze evaluates which cranial nerves?

Which cranial nerve is assessed by testing jaw movement (TMJ motor assessment), facial sensation, and potentially the corneal reflex?

Testing 'facial gymnastics' (e.g., smiling, frowning, puffing cheeks) assesses which cranial nerve?

The whisper test, Weber test, and Rinne test are used to assess which cranial nerve?

Assessing speech quality, swallowing ability, gag reflex, taste on the posterior tongue, and observing palate elevation when the patient says 'ahh' primarily tests which two cranial nerves?

Testing shoulder shrug, head rotation, and lateral bending against resistance assesses which cranial nerve?

Which cranial nerve controls tongue movement?

What are examples of tests for rapid alternating movements (RAM)?

What type of walking test involves placing the heel of one foot directly in front of the toe of the opposite foot?

What does the Romberg test primarily assess?

Which major sensory pathway is tested using pinprick (pain), temperature sensation, and light touch?

Testing vibration sense (using a tuning fork) and kinesthesia (position sense) assesses which major sensory pathway?

The ability to identify familiar objects placed in the hand solely by touch, without looking, is called _____.

_____ assesses the ability to distinguish the separation between two simultaneous pinpricks on the skin.

What sensory test involves simultaneously touching corresponding points on both sides of the body and asking if the touch is felt on one or both sides?

Which sensory test requires the patient to identify the specific spot where they were touched after the stimulus is withdrawn?

A deep tendon reflex (DTR) grade of 4+ indicates what?

What does a DTR grade of 3+ signify?

What is considered a normal or average DTR grade?

A DTR grade of 1+ indicates what?

What does a DTR grade of 0 indicate?

The biceps reflex primarily assesses which spinal nerve roots?

Which spinal nerve roots are tested by the brachioradialis reflex?

The quadriceps reflex (knee jerk) primarily assesses which spinal nerve roots?

Which spinal nerve roots are assessed by the Achilles reflex (ankle jerk)?

Sustained clonus is often associated with what type of neurological disease?

The upper abdominal superficial reflexes assess which spinal cord segments?

Which spinal segments are tested by the cremasteric reflex (stroking inner thigh causes testicular elevation)?

The plantar reflex (stroking the sole of the foot) assesses which spinal segments?

What is considered a normal, maximum score on the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)?

A patient with a Glasgow Coma Scale score below _____ is generally considered to be in a coma and typically requires intubation.

What does the acronym FAST stand for in the context of recognizing a potential stroke?

Memory loss that disrupts daily life, challenges in planning or problem-solving, and changes in mood or personality are potential warning signs of which condition?

What term describes a complete loss of muscle tone, resulting in limpness?

_____ is characterized by increased muscle tone causing stiffness and resistance to passive movement.

What term describes constant muscle stiffness and resistance to passive movement, regardless of velocity?

What type of rigidity involves increased muscle tone that gives way in brief jerks during passive movement?

Random, spontaneous, brief twitches or contractions of muscle fibers visible under the skin are called _____.

What term describes rapid, sudden, brief, and often repetitive muscle jerks, such as hiccups or jerks during sleep onset?

What term describes involuntary, non-rhythmic, rapid, jerky, and unpredictable movements that seem to flow from one body part to another?

Slow, continuous, involuntary twisting or writhing movements, resembling those of a snake and often affecting distal limbs, are called _____.

Tremors, particularly those present at rest (rest tremor) or during voluntary movement towards a target (intention tremor), can significantly interfere with activities of daily living (ADLs).

Spastic hemiparesis, a gait pattern where the affected arm is flexed and adducted and the leg is extended and circumducted, is commonly seen after what types of neurological events?

A gait characterized by a wide stance, staggering, and unsteadiness, often worsening with turns, is typical of _____.

Describe the typical characteristics of a Parkinsonian gait.

What type of gait involves stiff leg movement with thighs crossing over each other (adduction) with each step?

What type of gait is characterized by lifting the knee higher than normal to clear the foot due to weakness in dorsiflexion (footdrop)?

Muscular dystrophy is a group of genetic diseases characterized by progressive muscle weakness and _____.

What term describes paralysis or significant motor impairment affecting one side of the body (arm and leg)?

Impairment or paralysis affecting the lower part of the body, typically both legs, is known as _____.

What autoimmune neurological disorder involves the destruction of the myelin sheath surrounding nerve fibers in the central nervous system (CNS)?

Damage to peripheral nerves, often causing numbness, tingling, pain, and weakness, particularly in the hands and feet (stocking-glove distribution), is known as _____.

Brown-Sequard syndrome, resulting from hemisection (damage to one half) of the spinal cord, causes loss of pain and temperature sensation on the _____ side below the lesion, and loss of proprioception and vibration sense on the _____ side below the lesion.

What condition can cause symmetric sensory loss below a distinct horizontal level around the body (a sensory level), often accompanied by motor weakness and bowel/bladder dysfunction?

A lesion in the thalamus typically causes loss of all sensory modalities (pain, temperature, touch, vibration, proprioception) on which side of the body relative to the lesion?

Sensory loss primarily affecting discriminative sensations, such as graphesthesia, stereognosis, two-point discrimination, and point location, points towards a lesion in the _____.

Describe the abnormal posturing known as decorticate rigidity.

Decorticate rigidity generally indicates a lesion located where?

Decerebrate rigidity generally indicates a lesion in the _____ or upper _____.

Complete loss of muscle tone and paralysis involving all four extremities, indicating a nonfunctional brainstem or high cervical spinal cord lesion, is termed _____.

What term describes a posture characterized by prolonged arching of the back, with the head and heels bent backward?

A positive Babinski reflex (dorsiflexion/extension of the great toe and fanning of other toes when the lateral sole is stroked) is a normal finding in adults.