Brain Structures & Functions
What are the three main structures of the brain?
Cerebrum, Cerebellum, Brainstem
What is a neuron?
Basic building block of the nervous system
What is a stroke?
A blood clot in the brain
What is dysarthria?
A motor speech disorder caused by muscle weakness
What are the four stages of swallowing?
Oral Prep, Oral Transit, Pharyngeal, Esophageal
What is the function of the cerebellum?
Balance & coordination
Name the three parts of a neuron.
Cell body, Dendrites, Axon
Name the two types of strokes.
Ischemic & Hemorrhagic
What type of aphasia is characterized by fluent but nonsensical speech?
(Wernicke’s/Receptive Aphasia)
What type of memory is responsible for personal life events?
Episodic Memory
What structure regulates cardiac and respiratory functions?
Brainstem
What is the function of glial cells?
Support, protect, and nourish neurons
What is the difference between a thrombus and an embolus?
Thrombus = stationary clot, Embolus = traveling clot
What is the difference between dysarthria and apraxia of speech?
Dysarthria = muscle weakness; Apraxia = difficulty planning movements
What is procedural memory?
Memory of skills & actions, like riding a bike
What are the three types of brain fibers?
Association, Commissural, Projection Fibers
What is the difference between gray matter and white matter?
Gray matter = neuron cell bodies, White matter = myelinated axons
A patient has a blockage in the left ACA and experiences right leg weakness. What kind of stroke is this?
Thrombotic Ischemic Stroke - ACA Territory
What part of the brain is affected in flaccid dysarthria?
Lower Motor Neurons
What does the WHO ICF model help assess?
Impact of illness/injury on daily life and quality of life
Name two major arteries that supply blood to the brain.
Internal Carotid & Vertebral Arteries - Circle of Willis
What fluid acts as a cushion for the brain and spinal cord?
Cerebrospinal Fluid - CSF
What part of the brain is damaged in a TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury)?
Depends, but usually frontal or diffuse injury
What condition causes difficulty recognizing written words, even if speech and writing are intact?
Alexia - a reading disorder
What is neuroplasticity?
The brain’s ability to reorganize and form new neural connections