Neuroscience Chapter Overview

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Questions and Answers

Which cranial nerve is responsible for pupil movement up and down?

Oculomotor (correct)

Olfactory

Accessory

Optic

What is the primary function of efferent fibers in the central nervous system?

To perform reflex actions

To carry sensory information to the CNS

To process information within the CNS

To transmit impulses to muscles and glands (correct)

Which process is NOT involved in terminating the action of a neurotransmitter?

Diffusion out of the synaptic cleft

Inactivation by an enzyme

Synthesis of new neurotransmitters (correct)

Re-uptake into the presynaptic nerve

Which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with muscle contraction signaling?

Acetylcholine Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the neuron increases the surface area for receiving information?

Dendrites Signup and view all the answers

What role does the choroid plexus play in the central nervous system?

Produces cerebrospinal fluid Signup and view all the answers

Which cranial nerve is involved in regulating vital functions of organs?

Vagus Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the axon in a neuron?

To transmit signals to other cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the parasympathetic nervous system?

Facilitate 'rest and digest' responses Signup and view all the answers

Where do the preganglionic cells of the parasympathetic system originate?

Cranium and sacral spinal cord Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotransmitter is released by postganglionic neurons in the parasympathetic nervous system?

Acetylcholine Signup and view all the answers

What physiological effect is NOT associated with parasympathetic activation?

Increased heart rate Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the sympathetic nervous system's neurotransmitter at the postganglionic level?

It primarily releases norepinephrine Signup and view all the answers

Which response is considered a characteristic of the sympathetic nervous system?

Fight or flight response Signup and view all the answers

What impact does the parasympathetic system have on GI motility?

It increases GI motility Signup and view all the answers

Hyperpolarization in neurons primarily refers to which of the following?

Increase in membrane potential Signup and view all the answers

What medication might be prescribed to a 16-year-old male with Tourette's syndrome to manage his tics?

Clonidine Signup and view all the answers

For a 52-year-old female with depression and anxiety following a stroke, which medication class would be most appropriate?

Antidepressant Agents Signup and view all the answers

What should be assessed before giving medication for a patient with restless legs syndrome?

Patient’s sleep quality Signup and view all the answers

Which medication is best suited for preventing severe headaches in a 30-year-old male with cluster headaches?

Verapamil Signup and view all the answers

In administering memantine for nerve regeneration in a spinal cord injury patient, which nursing intervention is essential?

Monitor for side effects or adverse effects Signup and view all the answers

What should be included in the planning phase before administering a drug?

Patient’s previous medication history Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a nursing intervention when administering CNS drugs?

Ignore patient cultural considerations Signup and view all the answers

What drug class does ropinirole belong to for treating restless legs syndrome?

Antiparkinsonism Agents Signup and view all the answers

Which drug is used to manage chronic pain associated with diabetic neuropathy?

pregabalin Signup and view all the answers

What medication is an antipsychotic used for treating symptoms of schizophrenia?

olanzapine Signup and view all the answers

Which drug would be appropriate for a patient experiencing recurrent seizures due to epilepsy?

lamotrigine Signup and view all the answers

Which class of medication is used as a cognitive enhancer for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?

stimulants Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of tPA in the context of an acute ischemic stroke?

To aid in stroke recovery and prevent complications Signup and view all the answers

Which medication should be considered for a patient diagnosed with multiple sclerosis experiencing spasticity?

tizanidine Signup and view all the answers

For which condition is amitriptyline commonly used?

neuropathic pain Signup and view all the answers

Which medication is indicated for alleviating motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease?

ramipexole Signup and view all the answers

Which drug is used as a neuroprotective agent for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)?

Riluzole Signup and view all the answers

Which medication is used to manage depression and improve emotional well-being in PTSD?

fluoxetine Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Drugs Affecting the Nervous System

The central nervous system (CNS) is the body's master control unit, and the peripheral nervous system (PNS) is the body's link to the outside world.
The spinal cord is a column of nerves connecting the brain to the peripheral nervous system.
The brain stem connects the spinal cord to other parts of the brain and controls basic functions.
The brain has three major parts: The forebrain (which includes the cerebrum), the midbrain, and the hindbrain (which includes the cerebellum).
The cerebrum is responsible for higher-level functions. The cerebellum is involved in balance and coordination.
The brain stem controls vital functions and connections.
The autonomic nervous system regulates involuntary processes such as heart rate and digestion, operating automatically.
The somatic nervous system carries sensory information to the CNS and relays motor commands to muscles, controlling voluntary movements.
The sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for "fight or flight" responses to stress.
The parasympathetic nervous system calms the body and helps conserve energy.

Nervous System Components

The brain stem connects the spinal cord to other brain regions.
Eight pairs of cervical nerves supply the head, neck, shoulders, arms and hands.
Twelve thoracic nerves connect to parts of the upper abdomen and muscles in the back and chest.
Five pairs of lumbar nerves supply the lower back and legs.
Five pairs of sacral nerves and a pair of coccygeal nerves supply the buttocks, legs, and genitals.

Brain Divisions

The brain includes the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brain stem.
The cerebrum is divided into different lobes (frontal, temporal, parietal, and occipital).
- The frontal lobe is responsible for problem-solving, emotions, reasoning, speaking, and voluntary motor activity.
- The temporal lobe is involved in understanding language, behavior, memory, and hearing.
- The parietal lobe is responsible for knowing right from left, sensation, reading, and body orientation.
- The occipital lobe is associated with vision and color perception.
The brain stem controls essential functions like breathing, body temperature, digestion, and sleep/wake cycles.
The medulla oblongata, pons, and midbrain are parts of the brain stem.
The diencephalon (includes the thalamus) is a key structure.

Cerebrospinal Fluid

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is produced in the choroid plexus of the lateral, third, and fourth ventricles.
CSF flows from the lateral ventricle into the third ventricle and then through the cerebral aqueduct into the fourth ventricle.

Limbic System

The limbic system involves the hypothalamus (hormones and regulatory processes), amygdala (processing emotions such as fear and aggression), and hippocampus (creating and storing memories).

Reticular Activating System (RAS)

The RAS acts as a filter, relaying important stimuli to the brain and filtering out less important or unnecessary sensory input.
The RAS receives input from touch, pain, and temperature receptors.

Spinal Cord

The spinal cord is a column of nervous tissue carrying signals between the spinal nerves and the brain.
Sensory nerve roots carry sensations to the cord's rear.
Motor nerve roots carry signals from the cord's front to control movement.
Meninges are membranes surrounding the spinal cord.
Ganglia contain cell bodies of sensory nerve fibers.

Cranial Nerves

Cranial nerves are pairs of nerves that emerge directly from the brain (CNS).
Olfactory (I), Optic (II), Oculomotor (III), Trochlear (IV), Trigeminal (V), Abducens (VI), Facial (VII), Vestibulocochlear (VIII), Glossopharyngeal (IX), Vagus (X), Accessory (XI), and Hypoglossal (XII) nerves.

Neuron Cell Structures

A neuron has a cell body, dendrites, an axon, axon terminals, and neurotransmitters.

Neuron Types

Different neuron types include bipolar, unipolar, and multipolar neurons.
- A multipolar neuron has multiple dendrites and one axon.

Myelin Sheath Formation

Schwann cells form the myelin sheath around axons.

Neuron Parts

The cell body/soma houses the nucleus and cytoplasm.
Dendrites are branched projections increasing the neuron surface area and receiving information from other neurons.
The axon is the elongated part transmitting information to effector cells.
Effector cells (muscles, glands), respond to signals from axon terminals.
Efferent fibers transmit impulses from the CNS.
Afferent fibers transmit impulses to the CNS.

Motor Unit Structure

Motor units include alpha-motor neurons and muscle fibers.

Nervous System Divisions

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS). Autonomic Nervous System (ANS). Somatic Nervous System (SNS).
Autonomic NS is subdivided into Sympathetic and Parasympathetic components.

Nerve Synapse

The nerve synapse is where the axon of one neuron meets another neuron.
Vesicles release neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft.
These neurotransmitters bind to receptors on the receiving neuron.

Postsynaptic Cell Responses

A postsynaptic cell (e.g., a gland or muscle) might secrete hormones, have an action potential, or contract.

Neurotransmitter Action Termination

Neurotransmitter action ends through enzyme inactivation, diffusion out of the cleft, or re-uptake.

Common Neurotransmitters

Acetylcholine (ACh), norepinephrine, dopamine, GABA, serotonin, glutamate, endorphins, and histamine are common neurotransmitters.

Neurotransmitter Structures

Adrenaline, norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin have specific structural characteristics.

Major Neurotransmitters

These chemicals transmit signals between nerve cells. Understanding their function and imbalances can help treat various conditions.

Nervous Pathways

Specific pathways, such as those for dopamine and serotonin, exist in the brain. These pathways influence cognitive and emotional functions.

Autonomic Nervous System

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulates involuntary bodily functions via the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems.
The sympathetic system is activated during stress or physical activity (“fight-or-flight”).
The parasympathetic system regulates bodily functions during rest and relaxation (“rest-and-digest”).
The two systems often work in opposition to maintain homeostasis.

Drugs Affecting CNS/PNS

Various drugs impact the nervous system, working on different mechanisms.
There are groups of drugs for specific conditions (ex. Anti-epileptic agents, Anti-psychotics etc.)

Critical Thinking and Case Study Approaches

Analyze a nervous system component (ex. a neurotransmitter) and contemplate potential issues if it's not functioning correctly, the resulting symptoms in a patient, and needed treatments.

Critical Thinking Exercises

For a given CNS/PNS condition, brainstorm potential interventions/treatments.

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Description

Test your knowledge of key concepts in neuroscience with this quiz. It covers cranial nerves, neurotransmitter functions, and the roles of different nervous system components. Perfect for students studying biology and physiology.