Cranial Nerves
How many pairs of cranial nerves are there?
12
Define reflex arc. What stimulates it?
The simplest nervous response. It is unconcious and involuntary. Stimulated by soundwaves, light waves, heat, and odor.
What is neuritis and what causes it?
Inflammation of a nerve caused by infection, chemicals, or chronic alcoholism.
What are the symptoms of sciatica?
A pain that radiates through buttock and behind knee down to the foot.
What do analgesics do?
Provides relief from pain by acting on CNS and PNS. Most also have an anti- inflammatory effect.
State the name and function for cranial nerves I,II, and III.
I. Olfactory- smell.
II. Optic- vision.
III. Oculomotor- eyelid and eyeball movement.
What is a simple reflex?
Reflex involving one sensory nerve and one motor nerve.
What is peripheral neuropathy and what is the most common cause?
Damage to the peripheral nerves and is often caused by diabetes.
What are the symptoms of Bell's Palsy?
Unable to close eyelid, side of mouth droops, and numbness on one side of the face.
What is the role of a neurologist?
Treats disorders of the brain, spine and nerves.
State the name and function of cranial nerves IV, V, and VI.
IV. Trochlear- turns eye down and laterally.
V. Trigeminal- Face and mouth movement.
VI. Abducens- turns eye laterally.
Give two examples of a simple reflex.
Knee-jerk reflex and gag reflex.
What is sciatica and what causes it?
Form of neuritis in the sciatic nerve. Caused by a ruptured disk and arthritic changes.
What are the symptoms of shingles?
Unilateral inflammation of the cutaneous nerve. Usually appears as a rash.
What is the role of a neurosurgeon?
A physician who specializes in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of disorders of the PNS and CNS.
State the name and function of cranial nerves X, XI, and XII.
X. Vagus- aortic BP, slows heart rate and digestion rate, tatse.
XI.Spinal accessory- Controls trapezius and sernocleidomastoid muscles, also controls swallowing.
XII. Hypoglossal- Moves tongue.
Name the two active nerves of the parasympathetic nervous system.
Vagus and pelvic nerves.
What is trigeminal neuralgia and what triggers it?
Chronic painful condition that involves the fifth cranial nerve. Triggered by breezes, food in mouth, change in temp., and other slight stimuli.
What are symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?
Pain and swelling in wrist and hand, muscle weakness, and tingling sensation.
What are the three primary roles of an anesthesiologist?
A physician that specializes in operative care, development of an anesthetic plan, and the administration of anesthetics.
State the name and function of cranial nerves VII, VIII, and IX
VII. Facial- facial expression, tears, saliva, and taste.
VIII. Vestibulcochlear- hearing and balance.
IX.Glossopharyngeal- taste, senses, and carotid BP.
What part of the autonomic nervous system is referred to as "fight or flight"?
Sympathetic nervous system.
What is Bell's Palsy and what are the treatments?
Disease that affects the 7th cranial nerve and causes muscle weakness in the facial muscles. Treated by massages, heat applications, and facial muscle exercises.
Name four symptoms of neuritis.
Severe pain, hypersensitivity, loss of sensation, muscular atrophy, weakness, and parasthesia.
Name and describe the three types of anesthesia.
Regional anesthesia-Injection made at a cluster of nerve cells to numb a large area.
General anesthesia- Affects the whole body. Patient falls asleep and has no memory of the surgery.
Local anesthesia- Numbs one small area of the body. Patient stays awake and alert.