Neurologic Disorder Notes in Medical Surgical Nursing

CLIENTS WITH NEUROLOGIC • Myelin - fatty substance; covers
DISORDERS some axons in the CNS & PNS
I. Neurologic System: ANATOMY & (myelinated/white matter)
PHYSIOLOGY Overview
• Neurolemma - specific to the
- Functional Unit: Neuron and
Neurotransmitters peripheral nervous system; aids

- Divisions of the Nervous System the regeneration of the myelin
- Central Nervous System sheath responsible for the
- Peripheral Nervous System conduction of nerve impulses.
- Brain Circulation • Node of Ranvier - spaces between
Neurologic System the neurolemma; Saltatory
• Function: Control of all functions conduction
and behavior in the human body • Neuroglial cells - support, protect
and nourish neurons
Neuron: Basic unit Parts:
• Cell body/ Soma - metabolic center
• Dendrites - branch-like recipients
of electrochemical impulses
• Axons - long projections carrying
Neurotransmitters
electrochemical impulses away
from the body of the neuron • chemicals transported within

• Synaptic Bulb - site of neurons or between neurons and

communication between neurons specific tissues/ organs that may

or between neuron and target cell/ excite, inhibit, or modulate specific

organ actions.

,Divisions of the Neurologic System




CNS: The Brain (Cerebrum)
• Corpus callosum - connects both
hemispheres of the brain for
Central Nervous System: The Brain
(Cerebrum) information transmission

3 Parts: cerebrum, cerebellum, brain • Cerebral Cortex - surface; contains
stem motor & sensory neurons
Lobes • Basal ganglia - fine motor
• Frontal - Concentration, abstract movement
• Thalamus - relay station of all
thought, memory, motor function,
sensation except smell
speech (Broca’s area- left, motor),
• Hypothalamus - regulates the
affect, judgment, personality, pituitary secretion of hormones
inhibitions
• Parietal - sensory analysis and
interpretation, spatial awareness,
size and shape discrimination
• Temporal - auditory reception and
memory, language
(Wernicke’s area- receptive) and music
comprehension
• Occipital - Visual interpretation and
memory CNS: The Brain (Brain stem)
• Midbrain - connects the pons and
cerebellum, with the medulla

, oblongata; center of auditory and
visual reflexes
• Pons - bridges the halves of the
cerebellum and the medulla and
midbrain; respiration (partly)

• Medulla - decussation of motor and
sensory fibers; reflex center for
vital functions (vital signs, Protective Structures of the Brain
coughing, sneezing, swallowing, • Skull - rigid bone structure to
protect from injury
vomiting)
• Meninges - protect, support, and
• Motor Tracts - Pyramidal or
nourish the brain and spinal cord
Extrapyramidal Reticular formation
• Dura mater - outermost layer;
- arousal and sleep-wake cycle
tough, thick, inelastic, fibrous
• Arachnoid mater - middle layer;
extremely thin, delicate; spider web
like
• Pia mater - Innermost; thin,
transparent; hugs every fold of
brain’s surface
CNS: The Brain (Cerebellum)
• Important for making postural
adjustments in order to maintain
balance
• Receives input from vestibular
receptors and proprioreceptors
• Sensory integration, fine
movement, balance,
proprioreception