Unit 6: The Brain
Discuss the formation and function of cerebrospinal fluid and the blood-brain barrier.
- similar to blood plasma composition -formed by the choroid plexus -forms a watery cushion to protect the brain -circulated in arachnoid space, ventricles, and central canal of the spinal cord.
Compare the signs of a CVA with those of Alzhiemers disease; of a contusion with those of a concussion.
-A stroke happens quickly and is caused by some lack of blood to the brain -Alzhiemers: long term, permanent lack of blood flow to the brain ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- contusion: localized brain damage concussion: widespread
Name the three meningeal layers, and state their functions
1. Dura Mater: Outer Layer that provides durable, inelastic protection 2. Arachnoid Membrane: spider web-like membrane that provides a barrier to the brain 3. Pia Mater: inner-most layer, encloses cerebrospinal fluid, clings to brain
Identify and indicate the functions of the major regions of the cerebral hemispheres, diencephalon, brain stem, and cerebellum on a human brain model or diagram.
Cerebral Hemispheres: Frontal Lobe, Temporal Lobe, Parietal Lobe, Occipital Lobe Diencephalon: Thalamus, Hypothalamus, Pineal Gland, Pituitary Gland Brain Stem: Midbrain, Medulla Oblangata, Pons Cerebellum: involuntary coordination of body movement
Define EEG and explain how it evaluates neural functioning
EEG= test of cerebral functioning - studies volume of current through brain tissue
List the Functions of the right and left cerebral hemispheres
Left: Numerical Skills (exact math), fact retrieval, language (Grammar and Speech) Right: Numerical Skills (approximation/estimation), language (annotations/accentuation)
Briefly describe the cause, signs, and consequences of the following congenital disorders: spina bifida, anencephaly, and cerebral palsy
Spina Bifida: caused by the incomplete closing of the embryonic neural tube, signs include weakness and orthopedic abnormalities, usually causes social setbacks. Anencephaly: absence of major portion of the brain, baby is born unaware of any surroundings and unable to hear/see, results in death/stillborn Cerebral Palsy: due to damage occurring to the developing brain, abnormal muscle tones/reflexes, hard to manage
Explain the decline in brain size and weight that occurs with age
The brain develops more rapidly in early stages of life, then slows down.
Parkinson's Disease
a progressive disease of the nervous system marked by tremor, muscular rigidity, and slow, imprecise movement, chiefly affecting middle-aged and elderly people. It is associated with degeneration of the basal ganglia of the brain and a deficiency of the neurotransmitter dopamine.
cerebrovascular accident
also known as a stroke- occurs when blood flow to part of the brain stops
transient ischemic attack
blood flow to part of the brain stops for a brief period of time and causes stroke-like symptoms
Define Senility, and list some possible causes
most senile dementia is caused by aging of the brain / hardening of the arteries
Huntington's Disease
neurodegenerative genetic disorder that affects muscle coordination and leads to cognitive decline and psychiatric problems. It typically becomes noticeable in mid-adult life.
Alzheimer's disease
progressive mental deterioration that can occur in middle or old age, due to generalized degeneration of the brain. It is the most common cause of premature senility.
List Several Factors that may have harmful effects on brain development
smoking tobacco, drinking alcohol, diet (also diet after birth)
important functions of the spinal cord
somatosensory organization: sensory pathways use three different neurons to get information from sensory receptors at the periphery to the cerebral cortex. Motor Organization: motor pathway for upper motor neuronal signals coming from the cerebral cortex and from primitive brainstem motor nuclei.