NeuroscienceLesson 2 of 3 in the course Anatomy of the Nervous System

CNS Blood Supply, Meninges, Cerebrospinal Fluid, and Stroke

5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 5 fill-in sentences · English

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Summary

The brain and spinal cord require a steady supply of oxygen and glucose to function. This lesson follows blood into the CNS and back out again, and explains how the arterial arrangement helps protect brain perfusion.

Oxygenated blood leaves the heart through the aorta. Among its branches are the common carotid arteries, which divide into internal carotid arteries and external carotid arteries. The external carotids supply tissues on the outside of the cranium; the internal carotids enter the cranium through the carotid canals in the temporal bones and supply the brain.

All flashcards

What is the circulatory role of the circle of Willis?
It connects the internal carotid arteries with branches of the basilar artery, providing alternate routes for blood to reach the brain.
What do the vertebral arteries contribute to CNS circulation?
They join to form the basilar artery, and their branches join to form the anterior spinal artery.
How does the orthostatic reflex help maintain brain perfusion?
When standing lowers blood pressure temporarily, sympathetic activity increases heart rate and helps raise blood pressure.
Where does blood from the brain drain after passing through the sigmoid sinuses?
It drains into the jugular veins, which carry it toward the heart.
Where is CSF found in relation to the arachnoid and pia mater?
It circulates in the subarachnoid space between these two meningeal layers.

Quiz questions

  1. Which meningeal layer is closely applied to the surface of the brain?Answer: Pia mater
  2. Which sequence carries CSF from the lateral ventricles to the fourth ventricle?Answer: Interventricular foramina, third ventricle, cerebral aqueduct
  3. Why can symptoms differ between strokes affecting different parts of the brain?Answer: Different regions and pathways support different functions.
  4. Which statement distinguishes a transient ischemic attack from a stroke as defined in these notes?Answer: A TIA causes temporary neurological dysfunction without cell death in the affected region.
  5. In the FAST mnemonic for possible stroke signs, what does the letter T prompt?Answer: Call for emergency help promptly.

Based on Anatomy and Physiology 2e by J. Gordon Betts, Kelly A. Young, James A. Wise, Eddie Johnson, Brandon Poe, Dean H. Kruse, Oksana Korol, Jody E. Johnson, Mark Womble, Peter DeSaix (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

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