Neuro-anatomy
This largest part of the brain is responsible for higher thought processes like reasoning and memory.
What is the cerebrum?
This is the brain and spinal cord combined.
What is the central nervous system?
This neurotransmitter is essential for muscle contraction.
What is acetylcholine?
This test records the brain’s electrical activity.
What is an electroencephalogram (EEG)?
: A scoring system used to assess a patient’s level of consciousness.
What is the Glasgow Coma Scale?
This part of the brain coordinates balance and movement.
What is the cerebellum?
This system includes all nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.
What is the peripheral nervous system?
This enzyme breaks down acetylcholine after nerve transmission.
What is acetylcholinesterase?
This test uses X-rays and a contrast dye to examine brain blood vessels.
What is cerebral angiography?
: Posturing with arms flexed toward the chest, seen in severe brain injury.
What is decorticate posturing?
This structure connects the two cerebral hemispheres.
What is the corpus callosum?
This part of the autonomic nervous system prepares the body for “fight or flight.”
What is the sympathetic nervous system?
This neurotransmitter is associated with movement, reward, and Parkinson’s disease.
What is dopamine?
This scan uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed brain images.
What is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)?
Posturing with arms and legs extended, seen in severe brainstem injury.
What is decerebrate posturing?
This lower brain structure controls breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure.
What is the medulla oblongata?
This part of the autonomic nervous system controls “rest and digest” activities.
What is the parasympathetic nervous system?
This neurotransmitter helps regulate mood and is released during stress as adrenaline.
What is epinephrine?
This test involves injecting contrast into the spinal canal and taking X-rays.
What is a myelogram?
Weakness and lack of muscle tone.
What is flaccidity?
This protective covering consists of the dura mater, arachnoid, and pia mater.
What are the meninges?
This part of the spinal cord resembles a horse’s tail.
What is the cauda equina?
This neurotransmitter is similar to adrenaline and increases alertness and arousal.
What is norepinephrine?
This test measures brain metabolism using a radioactive tracer.
What is positron emission tomography (PET)?
The spaces within the brain filled with cerebrospinal fluid.
What are the ventricles?