Nervous System

Pons

A brain structure that relays information from the cerebellum to the rest of the brain

Cerebellum

A large structure of the hindbrain that controls fine motor skills.

Midbrain

A small part of the brain above the pons that integrates sensory information and relays it upward.

Dementia

An abnormal condition marked by multiple cognitive defects that include memory impairment.

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

An amplified recording of the waves of electrical activity that sweep across the brain's surface. These waves are measured by electrodes placed on the scalp.

Cerebrum

Area of the brain responsible for all voluntary activities of the body

Where on the neuron would you find a myelin sheath?

Axon

Where would you find the dura mater?

Between the skull and arachnoid

Skin Culture

Non invasive- skin sample is taken with a sterile applicator- identifies bacterial, viral, or fungal causes of skin lesions

Dura Mater

Outermost layer of the meninges

In what order does an impulse travel through the parts of the neuron?

Synapse to dendrites to cell body to axon to axon terminals to synapse of another neuron

Parkinson's disease

a progressive disease that destroys brain cells and is identified by muscular tremors, slowing of movement, and partial facial paralysis

Hydrocephalus

accumulation of fluid in the spaces of the brain

Epilepsy

chronic brain disorder characterized by recurrent seizure activity

Carpel Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)

compression of the median nerve as it passes between the ligament and the bones and tendons of the wrist (symptoms include pain and numbness of the fingers)

Amytrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

degenerative disorder of motor neurons in the spinal cord and brainstem

Lumbar Puncture

diagnostic procedure where fluid is extracted from the lower spine using a hollow needle

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

disease of the central nervous system characterized by the demyelination of nerve fibers, with episodes of neurologic dysfunction (exacerbation) followed by recovery (remission)

What disorders of the nervous system are present at birth?

hydrocephalus and cerebral palsy

How does the autonomic nervous system prepare the body for the "fight or flight" response?

in reaction to stress, hormones are released that causes increased heart rate and blood pressure

Encephalitis

inflammation of the brain

Meningitis

inflammation of the meninges of the brain and spinal cord

Neuralgia

nerve pain

Cerebral Palsy

paralysis caused by damage to the area of the brain responsible for movement

Cerebral Arteriogram

radiographic mapping of the cerebral arteries

Paralysis

temporary or permanent loss of motor control

What would happen if you had no myelin sheaths?

the nerve impulse will slow down across the axon causing the neuron to weaken

What is the main function of a nerve?

to carry messages

What is the function of myelin sheaths?

to speed up the rate of nerve impulse conduction.

Shingles

viral disease that affects the peripheral nerves and causes blisters on the skin that follow the course of the affected nerves