CONTENTS

Series Overview
Predoctoral Training
The UM Program
References

PHYSIOLOGICAL

Introduction
Neuron
Supporting Cells
Resting Potential
Action Potential
Synaptic Connections
Techniques
Organizational Plan
Pharmacology
Neural Coding
Vision
Audition
Somatosensory
Thalamus
Cortex
Brain Mechanisms & Movement
Reflexes & Reflex Integration
Cerebellum
Activation
Sleep
Attention
Emotion
Theories of Emotion
Homeostasis
Memory
Learning
Disorders of CNS

NEUROPSYCHOLOGY

Intro. to Neuropsyc.
History of Neuropsyc.
Brain-Behavior Summary
Brain-Behavior Detailed
Cerebrum Review

NEUROPATHOLOGY

Neuropathology
Neurological Exam
Neoplastic Processes
Vascular Disorders
Traumatic Brain Injury
Infectious Diseases
Dementia

ISSUES

Overview of Issues
Localization?
1CHP&WOL doc
2CHP&WOL DOC
Connectionistic
Hierarchical Systems
Qualitative vs Quantitative
Battery vs Individualized
Frontal Lobe Function
Temporal Lobe Function
Parietal Lobe Function
Occipital Lobe Function

ASSESSMENT STRATEGIES

Assessment Approach
Eval. Sequence
Hisory: Outline
History for TBI

Mental Status
Test Reviews
General Screening Devices
Test Batteries
Localization
Dysfunction
Age Norms for HRB
Report Outline
Sample Report
Misconceptions

THE DATA BASE

Information Source
Demographics
Test Behavior
History
Situational Factors
Neuropsychological Data
Etiology

DECISION STRATEGIES

DEV-PLAN.DOC
DEC-NAN.DOC
DEC-III.DOC
DECIS-91.DOC
CRITERIA.DOC
Computational Models
Hartlage.doc

ASSESSMENT ISSUES

DISABILI.DOC
DVR.DOC
DVR-S.DOC
DVR.DOC

TREATMENT

WEB SITES

REFERENCES

Bulletin Board

NP HOME

CJ's HOME

SUPPORTING STRUCTURES

---

Overview of Topics

Types of Supporting Cells

Circulation in the CNS

Meninges

CerePospinal Fluid

---

Lesson Objectives

1. Describe the basic functions performed by supporting cells in the CNS and explain how each is accomplished.

2. Discuss the difference between microglia and other supporting cells.

3. Discuss the importance of maintaining adequate circulation of blood to the brain.

4. Describe the meninges and explain their function.

5. Discuss the production, flow, absorption, and function of the cerebrospinal fluid.

6. Explain how myelin is formed in the CNS and how this differs from the formation of myelin in the PNS.

---

Supporting structures function in the CNS by:

• Providing physical support
• Removing degenerating neural tissue
• Forming myelin
• Forming cerebrospinal fluid
• Forming "blood-brain barrier"

Types of supporting cells: Glia ("Glia" means glue)

Protoplasmic astrocytes (star-shaped)
• Surround cell bodies & vessels in CNS

Fibrous astrocytes

• Offer structural support to tracts in CNS

Oligodendroglia (glia cells) - supporting functions:

• Important in nourishment of neurons
• Form myelin in CNS

Microglia - arise from mesoderm

• Mobile & phagocytic
• Most frequently found with degenerative diseases such as chorea and encephalitis

Ependymal cells - inner walls of ventricles

• Filtering blood to form CSF (choroid plexus)

Schwann sheath cells - form myelin sheath in PNS

• Cytoplasm makes up neurilemma

TOP

---

Circulation

Arteries--supply blood to body from heart
• Route blood to small capillaries
Capillaries have single cell walls which allow materials in blood plasma to pass out into surrounding tissue & allow waste to enter vascular system

Veins-- return blood to heart
• 15% of the blood passes to the brain
• Glucose is the principle material delivered in neural tissue
• When circulation is blocked, neural tissue is rapidly destroyed (2-3 min)

TOP

---

Meninges

Dura mater--tough outermost layer of connective tissue between dura & brain.

Arachnoid--fibrous elastic connective tissue between dura and brain.

• Subarachnoid space is filled with small processes giving support to brain
• Also equipped with much space in which CSF can circulate
Pia mater
• Very thin, delicate membrane that follows surface of brain
• Surrounds all vessels and isolates brain from direct contact with them (all vessels except capillaries)

TOP

---

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

Blood filtrate formed by ependymal cells especially at areas where many vessels are located--choroid plexus

Cerebrospinal fluid passes through:

• Lateral ventricles
• Intraventricular foramen
• Third ventricle
• Cerebral aqueduct
• 4th ventricle
• Foramina of Magendie and Luschka
• Subarachnoid space
• Arachnoid villi to venous sinuses
Forms cushion for shock

CNS pressure influenced by:

• Vessels
• Arterial pressure
• Internal hydrocephalus
• External hydrocephalus

Increased pressure:

• Affects pulse rate
• Causes compression of brain structures

TOP

---

Terms to Know

Cerebrospinal fluid	Microglia	Glia cells
Ependymal cells	Schwann sheath cells	Pia
Lateral ventricles	Fourth ventricle	Foramen of Magendie
Blood-brain barrier	Fibrous astrocytes	Foramen of Luschka
Choroid plexus	Cerebral aqueduct	Subarachnoid space
Third ventricle	Dura	Phagocytic
Protoplasmic astrocytes	Terminal feet	Arachnoid (villi)
Neurilemma	Capillaries	Venous sinuses

TOP

---

Links to Associated Areas

LINK Blood-Brain Barrier

---