LMBR8: SLEEP Definitions Flashcards

1
Q

What is the function of the suprachiasmatic nucleus ?

Where is it located ?

What does it control (2) ?

What is the result ?

“The SCN controls the _ & _ “

BR 277

A

SCN

  • main body “clock”, in hypothalamus.
  • controls (via nerves) the pineal gland resulting in melatonin secretion (& am cortisol spike)
  • creates the circadian rhythm in the body
  • “SCN controls the body clock & circadian rhythm
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2
Q

What is melatonin ?

Where is it made ?

What does it do ?

BR 277

A

Melatonin

  • a natural hormone
  • made in the pineal gland
  • regulates sleep & wake cycles
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3
Q

In terms of the circadian rhythm

a) What is it ? Also known as __ ?
b) What does it regulate ?
c) What is it regulated by ?

BR 277

A

Circadian rhythm

a) A biological process which regulates physiologic functions over a 24 hr period that aligns w the light-dark cycles. Known as “body clock”
b) Regulates physiologic functions over a 24 hr period
c) Regulated by endogenous oscillators

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4
Q

In terms of endogenous oscillators

a) What else are they called ?
b) What are they
c) What do they produce ? The result ?
d) Where are they located ?

BR 277

A

Endogenous oscillators

a) Also called internal circadian oscillators
b) = the molecules, cells & tissues that make up the body’s “internal clock”.
c) Produce oscillatiing (alternating) currents thru self-regulating + and - feedback loops that produce the circadian rhythm.
d) Include both central (in SCN) & peripheral oscillators (in major organs - kidney, liver, heart, adrenals, pancreas).

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5
Q

What are retinal ganglion cells ?

What type of information do they collect/transmit ?

BR 277

A

Retinal ganglion cells - non-visual light-sensitive retinal neurons that relay light intensity/spectra to the SCN

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6
Q

In the context of sleep, what are:

a) Inputs
b) Modifiers
c) Operators
d) Outputs

BR 277

A

In the context of sleep, what are:

Inputs - the external and envtl factors that can entrain the circadian rhythm

Modifiers - things that change the amount of ‘input’ that gets to the body’s operators

Operators - the body’s reaction or response to the modified inputs

Outputs - the behavioral & physiological conseqs of the operators.

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7
Q

What is ambient temperature ?

BR 277

A

Ambient temperature is the temperature of the surrounding environment

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8
Q

What is blood osmolality ?
BR 277

A

Blood osmolality is a measure of the particles (Na, K, Cl) dissolved in the plasma

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9
Q

In the context of sleep:

1) What is blue light
2) Name to physiologic effects of blue lights

BR 277

A

Blue light is a specific range (~ 480 nm) within the spectrum of light.

Effects

1) Creates greater melatonin suppression at lower intensities & shorter durations
2) Has disruptive nighttime effects

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10
Q

What is entrainment

BR 261-2

A

Entrainment - The ability to be brought into the rhythm.

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