MS CH 47 Neurologic System Function, Assessment, and Therapeutic Measures

The central, cylindrical portion of a vertebra, providing structural support and protection to the spinal cord.

The central, butterfly-shaped region of the spinal cord, containing nerve cell bodies.

A type of nerve cell found in the gray matter, responsible for transmitting signals from the brain to muscles.

A type of nerve cell found in the gray matter, connecting and relaying signals within the spinal cord.

Two protrusions of gray matter on opposite sides of the spinal cord, involved in motor functions.

Two protrusions of gray matter on the dorsal side of the spinal cord, receiving sensory input.

A long, cylindrical bundle of nerve fibers, extending from the base of the brain to the first lumbar vertebra, carrying signals.

The region of the spinal cord that provides nerves for the chest, head, neck, shoulders, arms, and diaphragm.

Four interconnected cavities within the brain filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

The two largest ventricles located within the cerebral hemispheres.

The ventricle located in the midline of the brain, within the thalamus.

The ventricle located between the brainstem and cerebellum.

A clear fluid that circulates within the ventricles and around the brain and spinal cord.

A structure in the brain that acts as a relay station for sensory information to the cerebral cortex.

A structure in the brain that controls essential functions like hunger, thirst, body temperature, and hormone release.

The largest part of the brain, responsible for higher functions like thought, language, memory, and reasoning.

When the sympathetic nervous system is activated, heart rate increases, blood vessels to skeletal muscles dilate, bronchioles widen, and the liver releases glucose into the bloodstream.

The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for regulating normal bodily functions during relaxed states, promoting digestion, defecation, urination, and a normal heart rate.

Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter used by both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. It is released by preganglionic neurons in both divisions.

Norepinephrine, released by most sympathetic postganglionic neurons, acts on target organs and is inactivated by COMT or MAO.

Albuterol, a medication used for treating asthma and COPD, primarily affects the sympathetic nervous system.

The parasympathetic preganglionic neurons originate in the brainstem and sacral segments of the spinal cord.

The loss of neurons in the brain with age is a normal process that usually does not significantly affect mental capacity.

The sympathetic preganglionic neurons originate within the spinal cord, specifically in the thoracic and lumbar segments.

The ability to understand and respond to questions, make decisions, and solve problems.

A test of a person's ability to subtract 7 repeatedly from 100, assessing their attention and concentration.

The ability to recognize and interpret sensory information, such as sight, sound, touch, and smell.

The ability to understand and use language, including speaking, writing, reading, and listening.

The ability to store and retrieve information, including memories of past experiences, facts, and skills.

An individual's subjective experience and report of pain.

The ability to understand and respond to information in a way that is appropriate to the situation.

A person's current state of awareness, attention, and responsiveness to their surroundings.

A method used to diagnose delirium, focusing on features like acute onset, fluctuating course, inattention, disorganized thinking, and altered level of consciousness.

A standardized test used to assess cognitive function, evaluating various domains like orientation, memory, attention, and language.

Unequal pupil size, often indicating neurological issues or injury.

The normal round shape of the pupil, unaffected by light or other stimuli.

The diameter of the pupil in millimeters when it's not reacting to light.

The process of directing a light source at the pupil from the side of the eye to assess its response.

The response of the pupil to being subjected to light.

The ability of the pupil to constrict when light is shone into the eye.

A clinical scale used to assess the level of consciousness in patients with brain injuries. It evaluates eye, motor, brainstem reflexes, and respiration using a numerical scoring system (0-4) for each category.

Pupil response is assessed in the FOUR Score Coma Scale. It is a significant indicator of brain function, as it reflects the activity of the brainstem.

In FOUR Score Coma Scale, the motor response refers to how a patient reacts to pain. It measures strength and coordination, indicating the severity of brain injury.

Brainstem reflexes are tested in the FOUR Score Coma Scale. They indicate the health of the brainstem, vital for regulating essential bodily functions.

The FOUR Score Coma Scale assesses breathing patterns. It indicates the function of the respiratory centers in the brainstem.

A type of breathing pattern where the breaths are very deep and then very shallow, followed by periods of apnea (no breathing). It is assessed in the respiration category of the FOUR Score Coma Scale.

This is a clinical picture where a patient has a rigid posture with extended arms and legs, stiff neck, and pointed toes because of severe brain damage affecting the brainstem.

This is a medical condition where there is a failure of the brainstem to regulate blood pressure, breathing, and heart rate.

A state of unresponsiveness where a patient is immobile with no purposeful movement or response to stimuli.

When there is a lack of response to stimuli, indicating a severe brain injury or disorder.

The control center of the neuron that contains the nucleus and is responsible for receiving signals from other neurons through dendrites and transmitting signals through the axon.

The branching extensions of a neuron that receive signals from other neurons and transmit them to the cell body.

A long, slender extension of a neuron that carries signals away from the cell body to other neurons, muscles, or glands.

A fatty sheath that insulates the axon of many neurons, increasing the speed of signal transmission.

Gaps in the myelin sheath along the axon, where signal transmission occurs.

Chemical messengers released by neurons to communicate with other neurons, muscles, or glands.

The space between two neurons where neurotransmitters are released and received.

A reflex where a stretched muscle automatically contracts, preventing overstretching and injury, like the knee-jerk reflex.

A group of nerve fibers within the central nervous system that transmit signals, appearing white due to myelin sheaths.

A reflex that involves withdrawing a body part from a painful stimulus, like pulling your hand away from a hot stove.

The outer layer of the spinal cord containing myelinated nerve fibers, responsible for transmitting information quickly.

Nerve roots that carry sensory information from the body to the spinal cord.

Nerve roots that carry motor signals from the spinal cord to the muscles.

The outer layer of the brain, responsible for higher functions like thought, memory, and language.

Folds in the cerebral cortex that increase its surface area, allowing for more neurons and greater processing power.

Deep grooves between the gyri of the cerebral cortex.

Shallow grooves on the surface of the cerebral cortex.

Areas within the cerebral cortex that are specialized for specific functions.

A structure at the back of the brainstem responsible for coordinating movements, balance, and posture.

A structure in the midbrain that controls reflex actions like visual and auditory reflexes.

A structure at the base of the brainstem that controls vital functions like breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure.

A chain of interconnected ganglia located on both sides of the spinal cord. It functions as a way for preganglionic axons to reach target organs.

Long fibers that transmit signals from the sympathetic ganglia to target organs.

The system that prepares the body for 'fight-or-flight' responses, enabling quick action in stressful situations.

The system responsible for returning the body to a state of rest and relaxation after a stressful event.

A complete neurological assessment should be performed on every patient upon admission to the hospital, providing valuable information about their current neurological status and serving as a baseline for comparison.

In addition to evaluating their current neurological state, a neurological assessment establishes a baseline for future comparisons, crucial for patients with pre-existing neurological conditions or those who might develop neurological issues during their stay.

The frequency of neurological assessments depends on the patient's diagnosis, pre-existing conditions, and their overall neurological status. The range can be from every 15 minutes for critical patients to every 24 hours for patients in long-term care.

Any changes in a patient's neurological condition observed during routine assessments should be documented and communicated to the healthcare provider promptly.

Prompt detection and intervention for neurological changes can make a significant difference in a patient's outcome, potentially leading to recovery or even saving their life.

A structured approach for neurologic assessment should be used when assessing a patient's level of consciousness, alertness, and responsiveness.

The results of a neurological assessment provide valuable information regarding a patient's cognitive function.

A patient's neurological function can be assessed over time through regular examinations, which can be compared to previous assessments to identify any changes in their condition.

A neurological disorder that involves an inability to understand or use language, typically caused by damage to the brain.

The study of the nervous system, including its structure, function, and diseases.

A neurological exam used to assess a patient's level of consciousness, alertness, and responsiveness. This includes tests like the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and FOUR Score Coma Scale.

A group of neurological disorders affecting blood vessels in the brain, leading to problems like stroke, aneurysm, and vascular dementia.

A test that measures brain activity by detecting electrical signals in the brain, used to diagnose conditions like epilepsy and brain tumors.

An image test that uses a contrast dye to visualize spinal fluid and the spinal canal, used to diagnose conditions like herniated discs.

A condition characterized by involuntary, rhythmic eye movements (jerky movements of the eyes).

Muscle stiffness and shortening that restricts movement, often resulting from lack of use or injury.

The three layers of connective tissue that protect the central nervous system (CNS).

The three layers of connective tissue that cover the brain.

These cells help create and circulate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Many of them have tiny hairs called cilia.

These star-shaped cells help form the blood-brain barrier, which protects the brain from harmful substances in the blood.

Specialized nerve cells responsible for transmitting electrical signals throughout the nervous system.

The transmission of an impulse across a synapse is one-way, as the neurotransmitter is released only by the presynaptic neuron, preventing backward transmission.

Specialized cells that contribute to the blood-brain barrier, preventing potentially toxic waste products from entering the brain.

The process by which a neurotransmitter is taken back up by the releasing neuron after it has been released into the synapse.

Some antidepressants work by blocking the reuptake of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that affects mood, sleep, and appetite.

Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter used by both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. It is released by preganglionic neurons in both divisions.

Norepinephrine is released by most sympathetic postganglionic neurons, acting on target organs. It is inactivated by enzymes like COMT and MAO.

The parasympathetic division controls normal bodily functions during relaxed states, promoting digestion, defecation, urination, and a normal heart rate.

The sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for 'fight-or-flight' responses, enabling quick action in stressful situations.

Acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter used by both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. It is released by preganglionic neurons in both divisions.

Norepinephrine, released by most sympathetic postganglionic neurons, acts on target organs and is inactivated by COMT or MAO.

Albuterol, a medication used for treating asthma and COPD, primarily affects the sympathetic nervous system.

The parasympathetic preganglionic neurons originate in the brainstem and sacral segments of the spinal cord.

The sympathetic preganglionic neurons originate within the spinal cord, specifically in the thoracic and lumbar segments.

With age, the brain loses neurons, but this is only a small percentage of the total and is not the usual cause of mental decline.