USMLE STEP 1 Neurology
The notochord induces what to differentiate into what? - Answer: Induces
overlying ECTODERM to differentiate into NEUROECTODERM and form NUERAL
PLATE
Neural plate then gives rise to? - Answer: Neural tube and neural crest cells
Notochord becomes what? - Answer: Nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disks
in adults
Alar Plate - Answer: Dorsal [Sensory]
Same orientation as spinal cord
Basal Plate - Answer: Ventral [Motor]
Same orientation as the spinal cord
How does FGF affect chordin and noggin? - Answer: FGF regulates chordin and
noggin to down regulate BMP which leads to neural plate induction
Three Primary Vesicles - Answer: 1. Forebrain [Prosencephalon]
2. Midbrain [Mesencephalon]
3. Hindbrain [Rhombencphaln]
USMLE STEP 1 Neurology
The Forebrain gives rise to: - Answer: 1. Telencephalon [Cerebral hemispheres,
lateral ventricles]
2. Diencephalon [Thalamus, Third Ventricle]
The Midbrain gives rise to: - Answer: 1. Mesencephalon [Midbrain, aqueduct]
The Hindbrain gives rise to: - Answer: 1. Metencephalon [Pons, cerebellum, upper
part of the fourth ventricle]
2. Myelencephalon [Medulla, Lower part of the fourth ventricle]
CNS/PNS Origins - Answer: Neuroectoderm = CNS neurons, ependymal cell [Inner
lining of ventricles, makes CSF], oligodendrocytes, astrocytes
Neural crest cells = PNS, schwann cells
Mesoderm = Microglia [Like Macrophages, originate from Mesoderm]
Neural tube defects - Answer: NEUROPORES fail to fuse [4th week] → Persistent
connection between amniotic cavity and spinal canal
Associated with:
1. Low folate levels before conception and during pregnancy
2. ↑ a-fetoprotein levels [AFP] in amniotic and maternal serum
3. ↑ AChE in amniotic fluid [Helpful confirmatory test]
-- Fetal AChe in CSF transudates across defect into amniotic fluid
Spina bifida occulta - Answer: Failure of bony spinal canal to close, NO
STRUCTURAL HERNIATION
USMLE STEP 1 Neurology
Usually seen at lower vertebral levels
DURA INTACT
Associated w/ tuft of hair or skin dimple at level of bony defect
NORMAL AFP
Meningocele - Answer: Meninges [BUT NO NEURAL TISSUES] herniates through
bony defect
Meningomyelocele - Answer: Meninges and neural tissue herniate through bony
defect
Associated w/ Arnold-Chiari Type II Malformation
Anencephaly - Answer: Malformation of the ANTERIOR NEURAL TUBE →
1. No forebrain
2. Open calvarium
Clinical Findings:
1. ↑ a-fetoprotein levels [AFP]
2. Polyhydramnios [No swallowing center in brain]
3. Associated w/ MATERNAL TYPE I DIABETES
4. Maternal folate supplementation ↓ risk
Holoprosencephaly - Answer: Failure of LEFT AND RIGHT HEMISPHERES TO
SEPARATE
Usually occurs during the 5th and 6th week
May be related to mutations in the SONIC HEDGEHOG signaling pathway
USMLE STEP 1 Neurology
Moderate form = Cleft lip/palate
Severe form = Cyclopia
Seen in:
1. PATAU SYNDROME
2. FETAL ALCOHOL SYNDROME
Chiari Type II Malformation - Answer: Posterior fossa malformation
Significant HERNIATION of the CEREBELLAR TONSILS and VERMIS through
FORAMEN MAGNUM with AQUEDUCTAL STENOSIS and HYDROCEPHALUS
Patients often present w/:
1. Lumbosacral meningomyelocele
2. Paralysis below the defect
Dandy-Walker Malformation - Answer: AGENESIS of CEREBELLAR VERMIS with
CYSTIC ENLARGEMENT of the 4th ventricle
Fills enlarged posterior fossa
Associated w/:
1. Hydrocephalus
2. Spina bifida
Syringomyelia - Answer: Cystic cavity [Syrinx] within SPINAL CORD
If central canal = Hydromyelia
Crossing anterior spinal commissural fibers are typically damaged
CAPE-LIKE BILATERAL LOSS OF PAIN and TEMPERATURE in the UPPER EXTREMITIES
Fine touch sensation is preserved
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