Neurology : Neuroanatomy Review

Review of Clinical Neuroanatomy

A. Explain the anatomic relationship of the components of the neuro-axis including the cerebrum, cerebellum, brain stem, cranial nerves, spinal cord, roots, plexi, nerves, neuromuscular junction, and muscle.

B. List the contents of the supratentorial and infratentorial (posterior fossa) compartments.

C. Describe the major functions and modalities ascribed to each of the following parts of the central nervous system (CNS):

1. Frontal lobe

2. Parietal lobe

3. Occipital lobe

4. Temporal lobe

5. Basal ganglia

6. Thalamus

7. Reticular system

8. Spinal cord

D. Describe the visual pathway including the retina, optic disc, optic nerve, chiasm, optic tract, lateral geniculate bodies, optic radiations and occipital cortex

E. Describe the relationship of the midbrain, pons and medulla to each other and

1. Locate each cranial nerve nucleus to one of the three brainstem regions.

2. Locate the path of the descending corticospinal tract through each brainstem region.

F. Describe the major clinical function of the cerebellar hemispheres vs. the vermis.

G. Review the vascular supply of the CNS

1. Describe the distribution of the anterior, middle, and posterior cerebral arteries

2. Draw the Circle of Willis and vertebrobasilar system

3. Note the origin of the small vessels (the lenticulostriate arteries) supplying the basal ganglia

H. Identify the components of the ventricular system, its foramina/interconnections and relationship to the subarachnoid space. Locate the origin, flow and absorption of CSF.

I. Review the spinal cord

1. Describe the relationship of the spinal cord to the bony spine, and identify the vertebral level at which the cord (conus medularis) ends

2. Identify the following tracts, the modalities carried in each, the cross sectional location of each, and the longitudinal path of each, noting the level at which they decussate (and synapse)

a. Spinothalamic tract

b. Dorsal columns (posterior columns)

c. Corticospinal tract

J. Identify the following components of the peripheral nervous system (PNS)

1. Afferent (sensory) root

2. Efferent (motor) root

3. Dorsal root ganglion (cell type)

4. Relationship of nerve roots to intervertebral foramen

K. Review the cervical and lumbosacral plexi and discuss the major clinical function of each of the following peripheral nerves:

1. Radial nerve

2. Median nerve

3. Ulnar nerve

4. Femoral nerve

5. Sciatic nerve

a. Tibial nerve

b. Peroneal nerve

L. Name the components of a motor unit and describe the neuromuscular junction

M. Review the autonomic nervous system

1. Describe the sympathetic nervous system noting the relationship of the hypothalamus, the intermediolateral columns, and the sympathetic chain

2. Identify the parasympathetic craniosacral outflow distribution

3. List the impact of autonomic dysfunction on sexual function, bowel and bladder function, pupillary function, and sweating