Neurology - A Review Part III

general organization continued...

The cerebrum is subdivided into lobes namely - temporal, frontal, parietal and occipital. These are further subdivided into:

bulges - gyri
indentations - sulci and fissures (small and large)

The brain stem has 3 parts:
1 - midbrain
2 - Pons - lies against the clivus (region of bone resembling a slide, which extends into the foramen magnum)

*Note - Willis resides in the Pons

3 - Medulla

Neurology - A Review Part II

general organization continued...

31 - the number of spinal nerves pair
12 - the number of cranial nerves pair

*All cervical nerves EXIT at their corresponding vertebrae...

BUT, thoraci nerve 1 and the remainder of the nerves exit below their corresponding numbered vertebrae.

Cervical 8 - UNIQUE

Why? It is because it has no corresponding numbered vertebra.

The Spinal Cord

- is shorter than the vertebral column so that the roots will extend caudally when leaving the cord.
- ends at about the level of L2

but;

L2 to S5 continue caudally which is called the cauda equina or what they call the horse's tail

to be continued...

Neurology - A Review Part I

GENERAL ORGANIZATION

CNS stands for Central Nervous System, which consists of the following:

* Cerebrum
* Cerebellum
* Brain Stem
* Spinal Cord

In addition to this, there are also structures that sound scary situated between the cerebrum and brainstem namely:

* Diencephalon (which includes all names ending with "thalamus" : thalamus, hypothalamus, epithalamus and subthalamus)

* Basal Ganglia (which includes caudate nucleus, globus pallidus, putamen, claustrum and amygdala)

Neuron - basic functional unit in the CNS where the electrophysiological impulses would travel from the dendrites into the cell body and axon.

Synapses - connections where information is chemically transmitted from one neuron to another.

Pathway - this is a series of communicating neurons.

There are various names for a budle of communicating neurons or pathway INSIDE the CNS namely - tract, peduncle, fasciculus and lemniscus.

BUT, when OUTSIDE the CNS these bundle of communicating axons is called Nerves.

to be continued...

I survived the Initial stages of Medicine with Neurology Made Simple

Well, I have always thought I would flunk out Neuro but I survived. I survived when I happen to read the book entitled "Neurology Made Ridiculously Simple" or so it is (I cannot really remember the book title - no offense meant to the author) but I salute you for making my med life easier than how I imagined it would be.

I fancy Neurology not because it studies the brain and everything it encompasses. Hey! I love psychiatry too.

(I just didn't make it out of medicine life alive since I decided to stop just a year before I get my internship. It just so happened that I need to sacrifice things just to be alive literally otherwise my family would suffer had I been selfish to pursue my dream. I still dream of going back still. My husband who graduated from medicine - who I am most proud of - is actually a product of that sacrifice so I do not hold it against fate or life).

Anyway, I started this as Neurology made simple. Most medical students, if I am not wrong, would struggle at the blah blah blah terms in medicine. It was fortunate for me that I found the ridiculously made easy and it made me survive the initial phases of medicine.

If you happen to meet Mr. Ridiculously Made Easy book, I suggest for you to take a look. "Do not judge the book by its cover!"

=) XD

Giving Unique Valentine's Day Gifts

Flowers, candies and chocolates... on Valentine's Day? Wouldn't that seem ordinary for you? Aren't you tired of it? They are the most common gift that one could give to his or her partner. Valentine's Day is just like any other occasion that you and your partner would want to celebrate. Do not limit yourself with the trends of the society.

Museum and Exhibits versus Dinner and Movie

Boring! Many of us would rather spend our day in movie theatres. Wrong! You can actually enjoy your time in museums if you want to. There are a lot to see. In fact, you might find yourself amazed with the fact that you can get to see some of thw world's finest and prized treatures. Try it!

Sporting Event

Make sure that your partner is a fan of any sport so that both of you can enjoy it. Your partner will only be able to enjoy this event if he or she likes the sport otherwise do not try it at all.

DVD Movie

Burn all your memories in a DVD and make it a movie. It will tell the story of your love not only this Valentine's Day but also for the days to come. If you cherish it enough, it will actually last for a long time.

You can also consider asking your partner about what he or she likes if you truly want to give him or her a gift that he or she deserves.

Preparing for a Snowstorm

Snow Storm can come anytime and without warning. It can hit suddenly and long. Preparing beforehand will give you the feeling of safety and comfort.

Here are some tips on how to prepare for snow storm:

1 - Store primary needs. This includes food and water. Store food that are not easily spoiled and that is enough for you and your family as long as 4-5 days. Select food that is ready to eat or food that can be easily cooked. Store 3-4 liters of water per person in your family since this is the average water consumption per day.

2 - Turn on your radio or TV or any means that will broadcast wheather conditions in your place. Be ready on your cellphones, and charge the batteries beforehand.

3 - Perpare enough firewood. Snowstorm sometimes disrupt electricity lines that may come longer. Firewood would be nice as your source of heat.

Homemade Valentine's Day Gifts

I am pretty sure that flower shops and florists will spend a great amount of time just to promote their products for this coming Valentine's Day. And, I am sure that you will spend a lot of effort and possibly money just to prepare the things that you will need in order to have a breakthrough celebration with your sweetheart.

But, did you know that you can actually have homemade gifts for your loved one?

For me, the best gift that I will receive is the gift that one has put effort in making. This is because I know he put some of his personality in the gift.

So, what are your options?

1 - Scrapbook

You will be creating a scrapbook full of memories and it is one of the best homemade gifts that one can ever receive. I am sure she will appreciate this. If you do not know how to do it or simply do not have the ability to make a creative one, ask someone to help you. Someone who know something about your love story will do.

2 - Candles

Search how to make great candles. All you have to gather are paraffin wax, candle mold and string or maybe add some essential oil and you are good to go. For step by step guides, I am sure you will find great sources in the internet.

3 - CD

Learn what music she or he likes. All you have to do is burn the music collection and then place it in a nice CD case. Wrap it in and voila! You already have your Valentine's Day gift made from home.

Be resourceful. Be creative.

Drew Brees - Superbowl

Trivia: What did Drew Brees shouted after the Saints grabbed the championship title in their first appearance to the Super Bowl?

Answer: "This championship is for you, New Orleans!"

For me, dedicating a championship title for a country, city or people always have the same effect and it always tug my heart.

The selfless victory that everyone always look up. It just means that they acknowledge the fact that they have support behind them. It was pure joy and appreciation that they dedicated the win for their city.

Congratulations Saints!

Super Bowl's The Who

The Who rock band will perform in the Super Bowl and after this news there was a release of recorded version of the medley both for Rock Band and Rock Band 2.

The legendary group includes two of its original members namely - Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey. However, this does not stop the group to have consistent music tours. They hit the headlines for their impending performance at Super Bowl XLIV halftime show on Sunday.

The performance might include Zak Starkey who is the son of Ringo Starr of The Beatles' drummer and will stand in for the original drummer of the band. Pino Palladino will also be standing in for the original basist and Simon Townshend will be on rhythm guitar as well as John Bundrick playing for keyboards. All of these names are not actually confirmed but will be worth seeing for when they perform.

For all The Who fans out there, this might be your best chance to see the legendary rock band perform.

Dear John Movie

I am sure you have been waiting for the movie Dear John. It is a film starred by Channing Tatum and Amanda Seyfried.

It is a story of one good soul of a woman who fell in love with a soldier. The exchanged letters after the guy was deployed to war.

The twist of the story from the glorious days of love to the depressing separation is something that is common in most of Nicholas Sparks' stories but then again aren't we all hopeless romantics?

I am a fan of Nicholas Sparks and this movie is an adaptation. This movie is worth waiting for especially for those who want to have a little tag at heart. Here in the Philippines I would expect the warm welcome of this movie in theatres.

Valentines Day Fever

Valentines Day is nearing and the internet is now erupting with ideas by which you can celebrate it with your loved one.

You and your loved one have already thought about how you will spend the entire day. Well, I cannot blame you. Valentines Day is the most romantic day in all of the year even though you and your loved one can share one day and pretend that it's Valentines Day. Makes sense?

Well, you can choose from flowers and chocolates to give her and this is like the most common trend during this day. But, I challenge you to make it really interesting and unique.

Why not give your sweetheart your own recipe, art gallery and mini games? It depends on what he or she is interested in. I am sure you can find something that will match your sweetheart's personality.

Does anybody want free pants?

Dockers' free pants have been the hottest trend in the advertising aspect in Super Bowl. The ad primarily started with men singing they wear no pants at all. I am sure you got all that.

It is seriously fun to watch that the Super Bowl is teeming with underwear ad but many of you is not really interested with the Super Bowl, isn't it? It is with the fact that Dockers is offering free pants. Talking about fresh!

Well, let's face it. The world does not offer free at all times and we just got to take advantage of something like this. So, be one of the first 2010 people and go to Dockers.com to see your luck.