Neuro Assessment and Neurotransmitters
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Questions and Answers

What is the effect of the sympathetic nervous system on the pupil of the eye?

  • No change
  • Constricted
  • Dilated (correct)
  • Variable response
  • How does the parasympathetic nervous system affect the peristaltic movements of the digestive tube?

  • Decreased
  • No effect
  • Variable effect
  • Increased (correct)
  • Which change is most typical in the aging nervous system related to motor skills?

  • Increased muscle mass
  • Enhanced reflexes
  • Improved balance
  • Flexed posture and shuffling gait (correct)
  • What is the primary effect of the sympathetic nervous system on the blood pressure?

    <p>Increased blood pressure (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following symptoms may indicate a reduction in pupillary response due to aging?

    <p>Presence of cataracts (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect does aging have on the sensory system related to taste and smell?

    <p>Altered olfactory sense (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of the autonomic nervous system in regulating the urinary bladder?

    <p>Relaxes during parasympathetic activation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In assessing the gag reflex, what neurological action is primarily involved?

    <p>Vagal nerve stimulation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which cranial nerve is responsible for the pupillary reflex test during an assessment?

    <p>III - Oculomotor (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common dysfunction associated with the Olfactory cranial nerve?

    <p>Inability to identify familiar odors (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which part of the nervous system is primarily responsible for involuntary bodily functions such as heart rate and digestion?

    <p>Autonomic Nervous System (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the effect of aging on sensory functions within the nervous system?

    <p>Decreased reaction time to stimuli (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During a cranial nerve assessment, what indicates a dysfunction of the Trochlear nerve?

    <p>Inability to look down and in (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What evaluation method can help assess the gag reflex effectively?

    <p>Lightly stimulating the back of the throat (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which cranial nerve functions both as a sensory and a motor nerve?

    <p>V - Trigeminal (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant change occurs in the motor functions of the nervous system with aging?

    <p>Decreased fine motor skills (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is assessed when evaluating the cranial nerves during a neurological examination?

    <p>Language understanding and communication (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a symptom of progressive aging that may affect sensory functions?

    <p>Agnosia or inability to recognize objects (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What reflex is evaluated by touching the back of the pharynx?

    <p>Gag reflex (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What rating on the five-point scale indicates no muscle movement?

    <p>0 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which scale is used to grade deep tendon reflexes?

    <p>0-4 scale (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What change in muscle strength is indicated by a rating of 4 on the strength scale?

    <p>Fair but not full strength against gravity (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is the Babinski reflex determined during a sensory examination?

    <p>By stroking the lateral side of the foot (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is often a concern when assessing motor ability in aging individuals?

    <p>Reduced ability to perform skilled tasks (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which cranial nerve is primarily responsible for assessing facial sensation and corneal reflex?

    <p>V - Trigeminal (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common symptom of dysfunction in the VII - Facial nerve?

    <p>Facial asymmetry (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which action would best assess the function of the IX - Glossopharyngeal nerve?

    <p>Ask the patient to say 'Ah' (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which cranial nerve is primarily assessed by observing for tongue movement and atrophy?

    <p>XII - Hypoglossal (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which symptom would indicate a problem with the V - Trigeminal nerve?

    <p>Weakness of chewing muscles (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What function does the VIII - Acoustic nerve primarily assess?

    <p>Hearing (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The X - Vagus nerve can be assessed by:

    <p>Voice quality during speech (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the autonomic nervous system regulate?

    <p>Activities of internal organs (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which part of the brain is primarily responsible for auditory processing and receptive speech?

    <p>Temporal lobe (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of acetylcholine in the peripheral nervous system?

    <p>Major excitatory transmitter (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which neurotransmitter is associated with controlling mood and sleep?

    <p>Serotonin (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What neurological disorder is associated with a decrease in dopamine levels?

    <p>Parkinson's disease (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the thalamus in the brain?

    <p>Relay station for all sensation except smell (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which lobe of the brain is primarily involved in the analysis of sensory information such as pressure and pain?

    <p>Parietal lobe (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which structure transmits information from one side of the brain to the other?

    <p>Corpus callosum (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which neurotransmitter is considered the major transmitter of the sympathetic nervous system?

    <p>Norepinephrine (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the effect of the sympathetic nervous system on the blood pressure?

    <p>Increased (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements is true regarding the peristaltic movements in the digestive system under the influence of the parasympathetic nervous system?

    <p>They are increased. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does aging affect the autonomic nervous system?

    <p>It shows signs of slowing. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the impact of the sympathetic nervous system on the respiratory rate?

    <p>Increases the respiratory rate. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which muscle activity in the urinary bladder is influenced by the sympathetic nervous system?

    <p>Contraction of the muscle wall. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of saliva is secreted under the influence of the parasympathetic nervous system?

    <p>Watery saliva. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect does the sympathetic nervous system have on the sweat glands?

    <p>Increased secretion of sweat. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does aging impact sensory perception in individuals?

    <p>It leads to confusion and anxiety due to loss of senses. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary responsibility of the cerebellum?

    <p>Controlling fine movement and balance (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which component directly surrounds and protects the spinal cord?

    <p>Vertebral column (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which cranial nerve is responsible for the sense of smell?

    <p>I - Olfactory (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is indicated by the inability to identify smells?

    <p>Anosmia (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which structure is NOT one of the protective layers surrounding the brain?

    <p>Lateral ventricle (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of function does the oculomotor nerve control?

    <p>Motor (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which cranial nerve assessment checks for ability to look down and in?

    <p>IV - Trochlear (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which feature characterizes cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)?

    <p>Clear and colorless (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which characteristic is the first cue to a change in neurologic function?

    <p>Change in LOC (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term agnosia refer to?

    <p>Inability to recognize objects through the senses (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which rating indicates minimal contractile power in muscle strength assessment?

    <p>1 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a possible interpretation for a deep tendon reflex graded as 4?

    <p>Increased reflex (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which cranial nerve reflex tests involve tactile stimuli to the eye and pharynx?

    <p>Gag and corneal reflex (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does a positive Babinski reflex indicate in an adult?

    <p>Severe neurological impairment (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In a functional assessment of motor ability, which activity would be most appropriate to evaluate?

    <p>Brushing teeth (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which diagnostic evaluation is considered the test of choice for neurologic assessment?

    <p>CT scan (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following neurotransmitters with their primary functions:

    <p>Acetylcholine = Major transmitter of the PNS Serotonin = Helps control mood and sleep Dopamine = Affects behavior and fine movement Norepinephrine = Major transmitter of the SNS</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the parts of the brain with their primary responsibilities:

    <p>Frontal lobe = Emotion and personality Parietal lobe = Primary sensory cortex Temporal lobe = Receptive speech Occipital lobe = Primary visual cortex</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following brain structures with their functions:

    <p>Corpus callosum = Transmits information between brain hemispheres Thalamus = Relay station for sensation Hypothalamus = Regulates temperature and endocrine system Basal ganglia = Controls fine motor movements</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the neurotransmitter deficiencies with the associated neurological dysfunction:

    <p>Acetylcholine = Myasthenia gravis Serotonin = Depression Dopamine = Parkinson disease Norepinephrine = Rarely seen deficiency</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following lobes of the brain with their functions:

    <p>Frontal lobe = Concentration and abstract thought Parietal lobe = Analyzes sensory information Temporal lobe = Responsible for long-term memory recall Occipital lobe = Visual reflexes and eye movements</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following neurotransmitters with their effects:

    <p>Acetylcholine = Usually excitatory in PNS Dopamine = Usually inhibits behavior Serotonin = Inhibits pain pathways Norepinephrine = Affects mood and overall activity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following components of the neuron with their roles:

    <p>Dendrite = Receives electrochemical messages Axon = Carries impulses away from the cell body Cell body = Contains the nucleus and organelles Synapse = Communicates messages between neurons</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the areas of the brain with the specific types of functions they control:

    <p>Frontal lobe = Personality and judgement Parietal lobe = Orientation to space Temporal lobe = Auditory processing Occipital lobe = Visual processing</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the cranial nerve with its associated function:

    <p>V - Trigeminal = Assess facial sensation and corneal reflex VI - Abducens = Moves the eye laterally VII - Facial = Symmetry of facial movement and taste VIII - Acoustic = Assess hearing and equilibrium</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the cranial nerve with its dysfunction symptoms:

    <p>V - Trigeminal = Absence of corneal reflex VII - Facial = Facial asymmetry and droop of mouth IX - Glossopharyngeal = Dysphagia and absence of gag reflex X - Vagus = Hoarse or nasal quality to voice</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the cranial nerve with the assessment method:

    <p>XI - Spinal Accessory = Assess shoulder shrug and head turning XII - Hypoglossal = Inspect tongue movement and atrophy IX - Glossopharyngeal = Assess voice quality and gag reflex VIII - Acoustic = Rubbing fingers for hearing assessment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the cranial nerve with its corresponding number:

    <p>I - Olfactory = Smell sensation II - Optic = Vision III - Oculomotor = Eye movement IV - Trochlear = Movement of superior oblique muscle</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the cranial nerve with its clinical finding:

    <p>VI - Abducens = Inability to look laterally VII - Facial = Decreased ability to taste IX - Glossopharyngeal = Quality of voice issues X - Vagus = Slurred speech</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the cranial nerve to its main sensory component:

    <p>V - Trigeminal = Facial sensation VIII - Acoustic = Hearing perception VII - Facial = Taste sensation IX - Glossopharyngeal = Pharyngeal sensations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the cranial nerve with its primary action:

    <p>XII - Hypoglossal = Tongue movement IX - Glossopharyngeal = Swallowing VII - Facial = Facial expressions X - Vagus = Gag reflex and voice quality</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the autonomic nervous system component with its function:

    <p>Sympathetic = Dilates pupils Parasympathetic = Constricts pupils</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following effects with the corresponding nervous system:

    <p>Parasympathetic = Constricted bronchioles Sympathetic = Dilated bronchioles</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following body systems with their respective sympathetic nervous system effects:

    <p>Circulatory system = Increased blood pressure Respiratory system = Increased rate of breathing Digestive system = Decreased peristaltic movements Genitourinary system = Relaxed urinary bladder</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following structures with their parasympathetic effects:

    <p>Blood vessels in heart muscle = Constricted Sphincters of digestive tube = Relaxed Salivary glands = Thin, watery saliva Urinary bladder = Contracted</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following sympathetic effects with their descriptions:

    <p>Blood vessels in skeletal muscle = Dilated Secretion of sweat = Increased Pilomotor muscles = Contracted Adrenal Medulla = Secretion of epinephrine</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following aging effects with their descriptions:

    <p>Brain weight = Decreased synapses Temperature regulation = Less efficient Pupillary responses = Reduced or absent Deep tendon reflexes = Decreased or absent</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the nervous system components with their age-related changes:

    <p>Motor skills = Rigidity of movement Sensory system = Visual and hearing loss Taste and smell = Decreased activity of taste buds Tactile sensation = Dulling of sensitivity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following digestive system responses with their governing nervous system:

    <p>Peristaltic movements = Increased by parasympathetic Sphincters contractions = Contracted by sympathetic Saliva secretion = Thick saliva by sympathetic Glycogen conversion to glucose = Increased by sympathetic</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following effects on the blood vessels with the respective nervous system:

    <p>Parasympathetic = Dilated in external genitalia Sympathetic = Dilated in heart muscle</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the cranial nerves with their primary type:

    <p>I - Olfactory = Sensory III - Oculomotor = Motor V - Trigeminal = Both VIII - Acoustic = Sensory</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the cranial nerves with their primary function:

    <p>II - Optic = Visual acuity IV - Trochlear = Eye movement down and in VII - Facial = Facial expressions X - Vagus = Autonomic functions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the cranial nerves with their assessment techniques:

    <p>I - Olfactory = Identify odors II - Optic = Assess visual fields VI - Abducens = Observe eye movement XI - Spinal Accessory = Shoulder shrug resistance</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the cranial nerve to its dysfunction:

    <p>I - Olfactory = Anosmia III - Oculomotor = Ptosis V - Trigeminal = Loss of sensation in the face XII - Hypoglossal = Atrophy of the tongue</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the structure with its protective role:

    <p>Skull = Bony protection Meninges = Membranous covering Cerebrospinal Fluid = Shock absorption Vertebral Column = Encloses spinal cord</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the type of cranial nerves with their functions:

    <p>Sensory = I - Olfactory, II - Optic, VIII - Acoustic Motor = III - Oculomotor, IV - Trochlear, XI - Spinal Accessory Both = V - Trigeminal, VII - Facial, IX - Glossopharyngeal Autonomic = X - Vagus</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match each cranial nerve with its mnemonic:

    <p>I - Olfactory = Only V - Trigeminal = Two VIII - Acoustic = Amazing X - Vagus = Victorious</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following cranial nerves with their primary functions:

    <p>I - Olfactory = Sense of smell II - Optic = Vision III - Oculomotor = Eye movement and pupil constriction VII - Facial = Facial expressions and taste sensation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following sensory examinations with their descriptions:

    <p>Agnosia = Inability to recognize objects through senses Babinski reflex = Response of toes when the foot is stroked Corneal reflex = Blink response to light touch of the eye Gag reflex = Response when the back of the pharynx is stimulated</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following muscle strength ratings with their meanings:

    <p>5 = Normal muscle strength 3 = Sufficient strength to overcome gravity 1 = Minimal contractile power 0 = No movement observed</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following reflex grading with their descriptions:

    <p>0 = No response 1+ = Diminished (hypoactive) 2+ = Normal 4+ = Hyperactive (Hyperreflexia)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following components of a physical assessment with their focus area:

    <p>LOC = Consciousness level Mental Status = Appearance and behavior Motor ability = Skilled activity performance Language ability = Understanding and communication</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following terms related to balance and coordination with their definitions:

    <p>Ataxia = Lack of muscle coordination Deep tendon reflexes = Involuntary muscle contractions Cranial nerves = Nerves that control sensory and motor functions Superficial reflexes = Responses to light stimulation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following neurological examinations with their focus:

    <p>Mental status exam = Cognitive function evaluation Neurologic exam = Overall brain and nerve function assessment Physical assessment = Observation of body functions Sensory examination = Patient response to sensory stimuli</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following neurological conditions/tests to their associated descriptions:

    <p>CT scan = Diagnostic imaging of the brain Aphasia = Language comprehension difficulty Hyporeflexia = Diminished reflex response Hyperreflexia = Exaggerated reflex response</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Parasympathetic Pupil Effect

    Constricts the pupil of the eye.

    Sympathetic Heart Rate

    Increases heart rate.

    Sympathetic Blood Vessel Effect (Skeletal Muscle)

    Dilates blood vessels in skeletal muscle.

    Parasympathetic Digestive Effect

    Increases peristalsis (movement) in the digestive tract.

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    Sympathetic Digestive Sphincter Effect

    Contracts sphincters in the digestive tract.

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    Parasympathetic Bronchiole Effect

    Constricts bronchioles in the lungs.

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    Sympathetic Bronchiole Effect

    Dilates bronchioles in the lungs.

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    Sympathetic Blood Pressure

    Increases blood pressure.

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    Cerebellum function

    Coordinates movement, controls fine motor skills, balance, and proprioception (body position).

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    Cerebral circulation challenge

    Brain needs constant blood supply for nutrients, but has limited backup blood flow routes.

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    Spinal cord's role

    Connects the brain to the body's periphery.

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    Vertebral column's purpose

    Protects the spinal cord.

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    Cranial Nerve I

    Olfactory nerve; responsible for sense of smell.

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    Cranial Nerve II

    Optic nerve; responsible for sight.

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    Cranial Nerve III dysfunction

    Oculomotor nerve; issues with eye movement, drooping eyelids (ptosis), pupil response.

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    Cranial Nerve IV function

    Trochlear nerve; controls eye movement.

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    LOC

    Level of Consciousness; the first sign of a neurological issue

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    Mental Status Exam

    Assessing appearance, behavior, orientation (time, place, person), and memory.

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    Muscle Strength (Grading)

    5-point scale assessing muscle power against resistance.

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    Deep Tendon Reflexes

    Evaluated on a 0-4 scale to assess neurological function.

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    Babinski Reflex

    Foot reflex test (plantar reflex) checking for CNS issues. Normal response = toes curl. Abnormal response = toes fan out (Babinski sign).

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    Cranial nerve assessment

    Testing specific nerve functions in the head for functionality (e.g., eyes, ears, mouth, etc).

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    Aphasia

    Impairment in the ability to communicate or understand language.

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    CT Scan

    Imaging technique used for viewing internal structures, often a first choice for neurological diagnostic imaging.

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    Cerebellum

    The part of the brain responsible for coordinating movement, controlling fine motor skills, balance, and proprioception (body position).

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    Meninges

    Protective layers surrounding the brain and spinal cord, composed of dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater.

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    Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

    Clear, colorless fluid that circulates within the brain and spinal cord, providing cushioning and nutrient transport.

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    Brain's Blood Supply

    The brain has a high metabolic demand, requiring constant blood flow for nutrients and oxygen. It has limited collateral blood flow, making it vulnerable to disruptions.

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    Spinal Cord

    A continuous, cable-like structure that serves as a connection between the brain and the peripheral nervous system.

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    Vertebral Column

    The bony structure that surrounds and protects the spinal cord, composed of cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal vertebrae.

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    Mnemonic for Cranial Nerves

    A helpful memory aid for remembering the order and type of cranial nerves: "On Old Olympus' Towering Top, A Finn And German Viewed Some Hops." (Sensory, Motor, or Both)

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    Neuron

    The basic functional unit of the brain, composed of a cell body, dendrite, and an axon. The dendrite receives electrochemical messages, and the axon carries impulses away from the cell body.

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    Neurotransmitters

    Chemical messengers that transmit information between neurons or from neurons to target tissues. They are responsible for all brain activity, and imbalances can cause neurological issues.

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    Acetylcholine's Role

    A major neurotransmitter in the peripheral nervous system and many brain areas. It's usually excitatory, but can be inhibitory in some cases (like slowing the heart).

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    Serotonin's Impact

    An inhibitory neurotransmitter affecting mood, sleep, and pain perception. Low levels can lead to depression.

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    Dopamine's Function

    A neurotransmitter found in the substantia nigra and basal ganglia. It usually inhibits and affects behavior and fine movements. Low levels are linked to Parkinson's disease.

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    Frontal Lobe's Importance

    The part of the brain responsible for higher-level functions like concentration, abstract thinking, memory, and motor control.

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    Parietal Lobe's Role

    This area of the brain processes sensory information like touch, temperature, and pressure. It's essential for spatial awareness and understanding.

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    Temporal Lobe's Function

    This part of the brain processes auditory information, is involved in language comprehension, and plays a role in memory.

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    Cranial Nerve V: Trigeminal Function

    The trigeminal nerve controls facial sensation, corneal reflex, and chewing. It's responsible for feeling sensations on the face and allowing for movement in the jaw.

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    Cranial Nerve VI: Abducens Function

    The abducens nerve controls the lateral (sideways) movement of the eye. It allows you to look from side to side.

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    Cranial Nerve VII: Facial Function

    The facial nerve controls facial expressions, taste sensation on the anterior tongue, and tear production. It's responsible for smiling, frowning, and tasting.

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    Cranial Nerve VIII: Acoustic Function

    The acoustic nerve, also known as the vestibulocochlear nerve, controls hearing and balance. It's responsible for picking up sound and detecting head position.

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    Cranial Nerve IX: Glossopharyngeal Function

    The glossopharyngeal nerve controls swallowing, taste sensation on the posterior tongue, and salivary gland function. It's responsible for swallowing actions and tasting at the back of the tongue.

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    Cranial Nerve X: Vagus Function

    The vagus nerve controls various functions including swallowing, vocalization, and heart rate. It's also responsible for the gag reflex.

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    Cranial Nerve XI: Spinal Accessory Function

    The spinal accessory nerve controls head turning and shoulder shrugging. It's responsible for movement in the neck and shoulder.

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    Cranial Nerve XII: Hypoglossal Function

    The hypoglossal nerve controls tongue movement. It's responsible for sticking out your tongue and moving it side to side.

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    LOC Change

    A change in Level of Consciousness (LOC) is an early sign of a potential neurological problem.

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    Mental Status Assessment

    This evaluates a person's appearance, behavior, orientation (time, place, person), and memory.

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    Sensory Examination

    Subjective assessment of touch, pain, temperature, and other sensations requiring patient cooperation.

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    Pupil Response: Sympathetic

    The sympathetic nervous system dilates the pupil of the eye, making it larger.

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    Heart Rate: Parasympathetic

    The parasympathetic nervous system decreases the heart rate, slowing it down.

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    Blood Vessels: Sympathetic (Skeletal Muscle)

    The sympathetic nervous system dilates blood vessels in skeletal muscles, increasing blood flow and preparing for action.

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    Digestive System: Sympathetic

    The sympathetic nervous system slows down digestion, decreasing peristalsis and contracting sphincters.

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    Respiratory System: Sympathetic

    The sympathetic nervous system dilates bronchioles in the lungs, allowing for increased airflow.

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    Aging: Nervous System Changes

    As we age, the nervous system undergoes structural changes like decreased brain weight and synapses, slower reflexes, and altered sleep patterns.

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    Aging: Sensory Changes

    Aging can affect sensory systems, leading to vision and hearing loss, temperature sensitivity changes, and a decline in taste and smell.

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    Importance of History in Neurological Assessment

    Taking a detailed history from a patient is crucial in neurological assessments, helping to identify potential problems.

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    What is the basic unit of the brain?

    The neuron is the fundamental building block of the brain. It's a specialized cell responsible for transmitting information through electrical and chemical signals.

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    What does the axon do?

    The axon is a long, slender projection of a neuron that carries nerve impulses away from the cell body and towards other neurons or target tissues.

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    What are neurotransmitters?

    Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals between neurons or from neurons to target tissues. They are essential for all brain activity.

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    What does acetylcholine do?

    Acetylcholine is a major neurotransmitter involved in muscle contraction, memory, and learning. It primarily acts in the peripheral nervous system and some brain areas.

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    What role does serotonin play?

    Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that influences mood, sleep, appetite, and pain perception. It's often associated with feelings of well-being and happiness.

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    Explain the function of the frontal lobe.

    The frontal lobe is the largest part of the brain and controls complex cognitive functions like planning, decision-making, personality, and voluntary movements.

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    What is the role of the parietal lobe?

    The parietal lobe is associated with processing sensory information, spatial awareness, and understanding of numbers and relationships.

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    What is the temporal lobe responsible for?

    The temporal lobe is crucial for processing auditory information, language comprehension, and memory formation.

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    Cerebellum's Role

    It's the brain's movement coordinator, controlling fine motor skills, balance, and your sense of body position.

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    What are the meninges?

    They are 3 protective layers around the brain and spinal cord: dura, arachnoid, and pia mater.

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    What does 'CSF' stand for?

    Cerebrospinal fluid, the clear fluid that cushions the brain and spinal cord, delivers nutrients, and removes waste.

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    Why is cerebral circulation unique?

    The brain NEEDS constant blood supply for energy, but it lacks good backup routes, making it vulnerable to disruptions.

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    Spinal Cord's Connection

    It's like a cable connecting the brain to the rest of the body, sending and receiving signals.

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    What are the Vertebrae for?

    They make up the backbone, which protects the spinal cord. There are 7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 fused sacral, and the coccyx bones.

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    Cranial Nerve Mnemonic

    This memory aid helps you remember the 12 cranial nerves in order: 'On Old Olympus' Towering Top, A Finn And German Viewed Some Hops.'

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    What are the Cranial Nerves?

    They are 12 pairs of nerves that connect the brain to the face, neck, and other parts of the body. Each has a specific function like sight, taste, or movement.

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    Autonomic Nervous System

    This system regulates involuntary functions of your body's internal organs, like blood pressure, heart rate, and digestion. It has two main parts: sympathetic (fight or flight) and parasympathetic (rest and digest).

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    Study Notes

    Neuro Assessment

    • Basic functional unit of the brain is the neuron
    • Neuron is composed of a cell body, dendrite, and axon
    • Dendrite receives electrochemical messages
    • Axon carries impulses away from the cell body
    • Neurotransmitters communicate between neurons or from a neuron to a specific target tissue
    • Neurotransmitters are responsible for brain activity
    • Imbalances or deficiencies in neurotransmitters can cause neurological dysfunction

    Neurotransmitters

    • Acetylcholine:
      • Major transmitter in the peripheral nervous system (PNS)
      • Found in many brain areas and the autonomic nervous system
      • Usually excitatory; sometimes inhibitory (e.g., heart stimulation by the vagal nerve)
      • Deficiency can lead to myasthenia gravis
    • Serotonin:
      • Located in the brainstem, hypothalamus, and spinal cord
      • Inhibitory neurotransmitter
      • Helps control mood, sleep, and inhibits pain pathways
      • Deficiency can lead to depression
    • Dopamine:
      • Found in the substantia nigra and basal ganglia
      • Usually inhibitory; affects behavior, emotions, and fine motor movement
      • Deficiency can lead to Parkinson's disease
    • Norepinephrine:
      • Major transmitter in the sympathetic nervous system (SNS)
      • Located in the brainstem and hypothalamus
      • Usually excitatory; affects mood and overall activity
      • Rare cases of deficiency

    Cerebrum

    • Frontal Lobe:
      • Involved in concentration, abstract thought, information storage, memory, motor function, affect, judgment, personality, emotions, and attitudes
      • Contains Broca's and Wernicke's areas
    • Parietal Lobe:
      • Primary sensory cortex, analyzing sensory information like pressure, vibration, pain, and temperature
      • Essential for spatial orientation
    • Temporal Lobe:
      • Contains auditory receptive areas, responsible for receptive speech, hand dominance, and long-term memory recall in most people
    • Occipital Lobe:
      • Primary visual cortex
      • Responsible for visual reflexes and some involuntary eye movements

    Brain Protection

    • Skull
    • Meninges (dura, arachnoid, and pia matter)
    • Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF): clear, colorless fluid that cushions the brain and spinal cord

    Spinal Cord and Vertebral Column

    • Spinal cord connects the brain and periphery
    • Vertebral column protects the spinal cord (cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacrum, and coccyx)

    Cranial Nerves

    • Olfactory (I), Optic (II), Oculomotor (III), Trochlear (IV), Trigeminal (V), Abducens (VI), Facial (VII), Acoustic (VIII), Glossopharyngeal (IX), Vagus (X), Spinal Accessory (XI), Hypoglossal (XII)

    Cranial Nerve Function Summary (partial)

    • Olfactory: Sense of smell
    • Optic: Vision
    • Oculomotor: Eye movement, pupil constriction

    Brain Tumors (partial)

    • Primary Brain Tumors:
      • Localized (begin within the brain)
      • Can be benign (slow-growing) or malignant (fast-growing)
      • May spread to surrounding tissues
    • Glioma: arise from brain tissue
    • Meningioma: arise from the protective coverings of the brain
    • Acoustic Neuroma: benign tumor of the 8th cranial nerve

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    Description

    Explore the fundamental concepts of neuro assessment and the role of neurotransmitters in brain function. This quiz covers the structure of neurons, their communication mechanisms, and the impact of neurotransmitter imbalances on neurological health. Test your understanding of key neurotransmitters and their functions in the nervous system.

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