Expanded Topics

Brain and Cranial Nervous System Tutorial

Unit I: Structures/Physiology of the Brain

This unit is broken into seven sections:

The cranium
Protective coverings and spaces
Nerve cells
Parts of the brain
Ventricular system
Blood supply
Canial nerves

Section 1: The Cranium

This section discusses the bones and sutures of the cranium. It includes a video clip and discussion about the four types of skull fractures. Patient care specific to each type of fracture is included.

Section 2: Protective Coverings and Spaces

This section covers the three meninges and their respective spaces. It includes a video clip and discussion about meningitis. Both medical and nursing interventions are included.

Section 3: Nerve Cells

This section discusses the types and structure of nerve cells. It discusses the basic neuron and the four neuroglial support cells. The structure and function of the components of the nerve cells are explained. Video clips provide a discussion of pathologies such as brain tumor and epilepsy. Both medical and nursing interventions are included.

Section 4: Parts of the Brain

This unit is broken into sections that discuss the cerebrum, basal ganglia, hippocampus, limbic system, diencephalons, pituitary gland, cerebellum, and brain stem. Video clips demonstrating assessment techniques are used throughout this section. Video clips also provide a discussion of pathologies such as brain abscess, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, diabetes insipidus, pituitary tumor, medulloblastoma, coma, and increased intracranial pressure. Both medical and nursing interventions are included.

Section 5: Ventricular System

This section discusses the ventricular system. The development and flow of cerebral spinal fluid are explained in both text and video format. A video clip provides a discussion of increased intracranial pressure. Both medical and nursing interventions are included.

Section 6: Blood Supply

Arterial and venous blood flow in the brain is discussed in this section. An explanation of the blood brain barrier is included. A video clip provides a discussion of stroke. Both medical and nursing interventions are included.

Section 7: Cranial Nerves

The location and function of each of the 12 cranial nerves is covered in this section. Video clips demonstrate assessment techniques for each of these nerves. An additional video clip provides a discussion of trigeminal neuralgia. Both medical and nursing interventions are included.

Unit 2: Changes with Aging

This unit covers changes in the brain and cranial nerves that occur with aging. Three areas are covered in this section:

General neurological changes
Changes in cranial nerves
Nursing interventions

First, general changes in the brain are discussed. Second, specific changes that occur in each of the cranial nerves is covered. Finally, many suggestions for assisting the elderly with age-related changes in the nervous system are provided.

Unit 3: Test Bank for Self Test

This unit consists of a test bank covering all the information presented in the program.

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