Nervous Quiz Review: Protection of the CNS

Endocrine Moderator for the Brain

CSF serves to transport hormones to other areas of brain. Hormones released into CSF carried to areas of brain.

Problems with CSF

Causes meningitis inflammation of meninges, causes inflammation of the brain. Creates gap for bacteria to enter brain, causes infection.

Dura Mater

Hard, double layered membrane/casing that surrounds the brain.

Pia Mater

Inner layer, like plastic wrap. Delicate layer that clings tightly to the brain surface and spinal cord. Follows every fold of the brain.

Choroid Plexuses

Knots of capillaries hanging from the roof in small cavities of the brain.

Purpose of Cerebrospinal Fluid (4)

Protection, Buoyancy, Excretion of waste, and Endocrine moderator for the brain.

Protection

Protects the brain from damage by acting as a buffer or shock absorber. Cushions against blows to the head and lessens impact or damage.

What bones protect the spinal cord?

Spinal Cord= vertebrae.

Sub-Arachnoid Space

The space between the Arachnoid and the Pia Mater. This space is filled with Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF).

Cerebrospinal Fluid

Watery cushion for brain and spinal cord. Continually formed from blood by the choroid plexuses.

Result of losing CSF

Watery drainage from the nose. Salty taste in throat from CSF leaking back from Meninges.

Excretion of Waste products

Flushes out HARMFUL things. CSF flushes out harmful metabolites and drugs away from the brain.

What bones protect the brain?

Brain= skull.

What are Menninges?

Connective Tissue that covers and protects the Central Nervous System. There are 3 layers (most superficial/ outer layer first) -Dura Mater, -Arachnoid Mater, -Pia Mater.

Arachnoid Mater

Middle layer. Resembles a spider's web. Thread-like extensions that attach to the innermost meningeal layer, Pia Mater. ***ARACHOID MEANS SPIDER**

Buoyancy

Pressure at the base of the brain is reduced. Brain is full of fluid. Weight of the brain is reduced from 1,400mg to 50mg. ***BUOUANCY DECREASES***