Page 2003 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

CHAPTER 58

Neurological Problems

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Priority Concepts
Functional Ability; Intracranial Regulation

I. Anatomy and Physiology of the Brain and Spinal Cord
A. Cerebrum
1. The cerebrum consists of the right and left
hemispheres.
2. Each hemisphere receives sensory information from
the opposite side of the body and controls the skeletal
muscles of the opposite side.
3. The cerebrum governs sensory and motor activity and
thought and learning.
B. Cerebral cortex (Box 58-1)
1. The cerebral cortex is the outer gray layer; it is divided
into 5 lobes.
2. It is responsible for the conscious activities of the
cerebrum.
C. Basal ganglia: Cell bodies in white matter that help the cerebral
cortex produce smooth voluntary movements
D. Diencephalon
1. Thalamus
a. Relays sensory impulses to the cortex
b. Provides a pain gate
c. Part of the reticular activating system

2. Hypothalamus

a. Regulates autonomic responses of the
sympathetic and parasympathetic
nervous systems
b. Regulates the stress response, sleep,
appetite, body temperature, fluid
balance, and emotions
c. Responsible for the production of
hormones secreted by the pituitary
gland and the hypothalamus
E. Brainstem

2003