Nervous System Chapter 11 Flashcards

Nervous System Components

• Ventricles: Brain cavities that connect to each other, the subarachnoid space, and the spinal cord's central canal.
• Brainstem: Comprises the medulla oblongata, pons varolii, and midbrain; essential for connecting the brain and spinal cord.
• Medulla Oblongata: Contains all the ascending and descending tracts linking the spinal cord and brain.
• Diencephalon: Located above the midbrain between the cerebral hemispheres, encompassing key functions.
• Thalamus: The main relay station for sensory impulses towards the cerebral cortex, situated in the superior diencephalon.
• Hypothalamus: Regulates homeostasis and bodily functions like temperature and thirst, located in the inferior diencephalon.
• Cerebrum: The largest brain part, responsible for higher brain functions.
• Cerebral Hemispheres: Divides the cerebrum into right and left halves.
• Gyri: Numerous folds on the surface of each cerebral hemisphere.
• Sulci: Grooves found between gyri on the brain's surface.
• Cerebellum: The second largest brain segment, important for coordination and balance.

Nervous System Functions

• Autonomic Nervous System (ANS): A subdivision of the efferent peripheral nervous system operating automatically without conscious control.
• Sympathetic Division: Activates bodily responses in stress situations.
• Parasympathetic Division: Restores the body to a state of rest post-stress and regulates non-stressful conditions.

Sensory Structures and the Eye

• Taste Buds: Sensory structures located on tongue papillae that detect taste.
• Papillae: Elevations on the tongue surface involved in taste sensation.
• Sclera: Tough white outer layer of the eye.
• Cornea: Transparent outer layer allowing light entry.
• Choroid: Layer containing blood vessels and pigment cells.
• Retina: Innermost layer with light-sensitive rods and cones.
• Ciliary Body: Smooth muscles holding the lens in place, allowing for focus.
• Iris: Colored muscle around the pupil that regulates light entry.
• Rods: Sensitive to dim light, do not contribute to color vision.
• Cones: Responsible for color vision and require bright light.
• Fovea Centralis: Center depression in the macula lutea for sharp vision.
• Optic Disk: Area where optic nerve fibers exit the eye.

Ear and Neurological Conditions

• Auricle: External, visible part of the ear made of elastic cartilage.
• Ceruminous Glands: Modified sebaceous glands in the ear canal.
• Cerumen: Another name for earwax.
• Meningitis: Inflammation of the meninges due to infections, causing headache and fever.
• Encephalitis: Inflammation of brain tissue often caused by viral infections.
• Parkinson's Disease: Characterized by resting hand tremors and slow shuffling gait.
• Epilepsy: Brain disorder causing overactivity, leading to seizures.
• Otitis Media: Common middle ear infection particularly in children.
• Conjunctivitis: Bacterial infection affecting the eye's conjunctiva.
• Hyperopia: Farsightedness, difficulty seeing close objects.
• Myopia: Nearsightedness, difficulty seeing distant objects.
• Presbyopia: Decreased ability to focus on near objects with age.
• Color Blindness: Genetic condition affecting the perception of colors, more common in males.
• Motion Sickness: Results from inner ear stimulation during movement.
• Cataracts: Clouding of the eye's lens, common in older individuals.
• Glaucoma: Increased eye pressure due to excess aqueous humor, leading to vision loss.

Neurological Terms and Conditions

• Paraplegia: Paralysis affecting the lower trunk and both legs, often due to spinal injury.
• Paresthesia: Abnormal sensations like numbness or tingling.
• Syncope: Fainting caused by rapid blood flow decline to the brain.
• Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): Temporary blood supply interruption to the brain.
• Tinnitus: Hearing ringing or hissing sounds without external stimuli.
• Vertigo: Illusion of movement or dizziness.

Acronyms and Abbreviations

• ANS: Autonomic Nervous System
• CNS: Central Nervous System
• SNS: Sympathetic Nervous System
• CSF: Cerebrospinal Fluid
• CVA: Cerebrovascular Accident (Stroke)
• CT Scan: Computed Tomography Scan
• MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• R/O: Rule Out
• OD: Right Eye
• OS: Left Eye
• OU: Both Eyes
• PERRLA: Pupils Equal, Round, and Reactive to Light and Accommodation
• ENT: Ears, Nose, and Throat