Central Nervous System Intro

Question 1

What is a tranquilizer?

Answer 1

Induces a state of behavioral change wherein anxiety is relieved and the patient is relaxed although aware of their surroundings.

Question 2

What is a sedative?

Answer 2

Induces a state characterized by CNS depression and drowsiness, deceased awareness of surroundings.

Question 3

What is a hypnotic?

Answer 3

produces sleep

Question 4

What is a narcotic?

Answer 4

Produces stupor bordering on general anesthesia.

Question 5

What is local/regional anesthesia?

Answer 5

Loss of sensation in a circumscribed body area.

Question 6

What is general anesthesia?

Answer 6

Drug-induced unconsciousness characterized by controlled, reversible depression of the CNS and analgesia. The patient cannot be aroused. Sensory, motor and autonomic reflexes are reduced.

Question 7

What is dissociative anesthesia?

Answer 7

Dissociation of the thalamocortical and limbic systems resulting in a catatonic state where the eyes remain open and swallowing reflexes remain functional. Skeletal muscles maintain tone.

Question 8

What types of drugs can cross cell membranes and the BBB?

Answer 8

Lipophilic drugs.

Question 9

T/F Most drugs that cause sedation/anesthesia likely work by reducing input to the ascending reticular activating system (ARAS)

Answer 9

True.

ARAS is the part of the brain thought to be involved in consciousness.

Question 10

Excitatory NT of the CNS:

Answer 10

• Glutamate (stimulates NMDA receptor)
• Acetylcholine (stimulates neuronal nicotinic receptors)
• 5-HT3 - serotonin (stimulates 5-HT3 receptors)

Question 11

Inhibitory NT of the CNS:

Answer 11

• GABA

- Glycine

Question 12

What is transduction?

Answer 12

The translation of physical energy into electrical activity at the peripheral nociceptor.

Question 13

What is peripheral sensitization?

Answer 13

Tissue damage can cause local release of various substances such as prostaglandins, substance P, bradykinin, etc which lowers the activation threshold for nociceptors to further stimuli

Question 14

What is transmission?

Answer 14

The propagation of nerve impulses through the peripheral nervous system via afferent nerve fibers.

Question 15

What fibers conduct fast pain?

Answer 15

Myelinated A-delta fibers

Question 16

What fibers conduct slower, dull pain?

Answer 16

Non-myelinated C fibers.

Question 17

What is modulation?

Answer 17

The nociceptive signal may be enhanced or diminished depending on endogenous neurotransmitters or exogenous drugs.

Question 18

What is perception?

Answer 18

To experience pain the nociceptive signal must make it up to the cerebral cortex.

Question 19

What is somatic pain?

Answer 19

Generally refers to nociception coming from bones, muscles, and joints.

Question 20

What is visceral pain?

Answer 20

Generally refers to nociception coming from the internal organs in the thorax and abdomen. It is often more vague and difficult to localize and can be referred to sites away from the actual injury.