Ch. 5 - Consciousness

Question 1

consciousness (2)

Answer 1

• person’s subjective awareness, including thoughts, perceptions, experiences of the world, and self-awareness
• ex) sleep, circadian rhythms

Question 2

circadian rhythms (6)

Answer 2

light on retina > suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) > pineal gland > melatonin > drowsiness

Question 3

what keeps us on a 24 hour cycle? (2)

Answer 3

• entrainment: synchronization between biological rhythms and external cues
• endogenous: rhythms: biological rhythms generated by our body that are independent of light

Question 4

disorders of consciousness (3)

Answer 4

• consciousness can be assessed on a spectrum of wakefulness/awareness
• diminished brain activity as conscious awareness decreases
• Glasglow coma scale

Question 5

brain death (2)

Answer 5

• condition in which the brain, specifically including the brain stem, no longer functions
• no potential for recovery

Question 6

coma (3)

Answer 6

• state marked by complete loss of consciousness
• body is still aside from minor twitches
• no pupillary response

Question 7

persistent vegetative state (PVS) (4)

Answer 7

• state of minimal to no consciousness
• eyes open but don’t track movement
• normal sleep cycles
• best hope for recovery before 6 months

Question 8

evaluating consciousness in vegetative patients (4)

Answer 8

• some PSV patients show signs of consciousness
• fMRI techniques suggest comprehension of commands and mental imagery
• misdiagnosis of vegetative state
• language = consciousness?

Question 9

minimally conscious state (2)

Answer 9

• disordered state of consciousness marked by the ability to show some behaviours that suggest partial consciousness, even if on an inconsistent basis
• behaviours beyond reflexes

Question 10

locked-in syndrome

Answer 10

patient is aware and awake but because of an inability to move, appears unconscious