Neurobiology of sleep Flashcards
What is sleep according to the early 20th century?
1. a consequence of activity in arousal systems of the brain
2. a consequence of inactivity in arousal systems of the brain
3. a behavior that originates in the brain
4. none of the above
- a consequence of inactivity in arousal systems of the brain
What caused sleep in animals according to experimental electrical stimulation to the thalamus?
1. inactivity in arousal systme of the brain
2. activity in arousal systems of the brain
3. stimulation to the thalamus
4. none of the above
stimulation to the thalamus
Where does sleep originate?
In the brain
What are the three primary brain regions involved in sleep?
1. Cerebellum, hypothalamus, brainstem
2. basal forebrain, hypothalamus, brainstem
3. cerebellum basal forebrain, hypothalamus
- Basal forbrain, hypothalamus, brainstem
True or false
Early 20th century research suggested that the brain had specific, separate “sleep” and “wake” centers.
True
True or False
Later research showed that sleep-wake regulation is actually much more complicated.
True
Matching: Match each brain region with its function
- Basal forebrain
- hypothalamus
- brainstem
- inhibits activity in areas of the brainstem that maintain wakefulness
** regulates circadian rhythms and controls the timing of sleep
***promotes wakefulness by sending arousal signals to the cerebral cortex
- *
- **
Where is the hypothalamus located?
above or below the thalamus
Below
Which neurotransmitter is produced by the basal forebrain?
Dopamine, serotonin, acetylocholine, norepinephrine
ACh
Which of the following is NOT a structure in the brainstem?
medulla oblongata
pons
midbrain
cerebellum
Cerebellum
True or False
The hypothalamus is part of the limibic system
True
A part of the limibic system that plays a role in many essential functions of the body
hypothalamus
basal forebrain
Brain strem
Reticular formation
hypothalamus
an area at the front and bottom of the brain that produces ACh and promotes wakefulness
hypothalamus
basal forebrain
Brain strem
Reticular formation
Basal Forebrain
Consists of three structures and regulates consciousnessm respirationm heart ratem arousal and wake-sleep cycle
hypothalamus
basal forebrain
Brain strem
Reticular formation
Brainstem
A set of connected nuclei that extend from the brainstem to the forebrain and serves as a relay station for electrocortical impulses
hypothalamus
basal forebrain
Brain strem
Reticular formation
reticular formation
Which of the following is in the basal forebrain?
Nucleus accumbens
hippocampus
amygdala
hypothalamus
Nucleus accumbens
Which substance works on ACh pathways in the brain?
Caffeine
Alcohol
Nicotine
Sugar
Nicotine
Which of the following is NOT a function of the brainstem?
Regulating consciousness
regulating respiration
regulating heart rate
regulating digestion
Regulating digestion
Communicates with the hypothalamus to control transitions between wake and sleep
hypothalamus
basal forebrain
brainstem
reticular formation
Brain stem
Produces ACh which affects learning and memory
hypothalamus
basal forebrain
brainstem
reticular formation
Basal forebrain
Transmits electrocortical impulses via ascending and descending pathways
hypothalamus
basal forebrain
brainstem
reticular formation
Reticular formation
Regulates endocrine glands including the pineal gland
hypothalamus
basal forebrain
brainstem
reticular formation
hypothalamus
Which gland is regulated by the hypothalamus and releases melatonin?
pituitary gland
pineal gland
thyroid gland
adrenal gland
pineal gland
which of the following is not a structure in the reticular formation?
medulla oblongata
pons
midbrain
cerebellum
cerebellun
True or False
Melatonin is released into the bloodstream and reached every organ in the body except the brain
False
an area at the front and bottom of the brain that included several structures such as nucleus accumbens and Broca’s area
hypothalamus
basal forebrain
brainstem
reticular formation
basal forebrain
a set of connected nuclei that extend from the brainstem to the forebrain
hypothalamus
basal forebrain
brainstem
reticular formation
Reticular formation
regulates consciousness, respiration, heart rate, arousal, wake-sleep cycle; neurological signaling to muscle groups
hypothalamus
basal forebrain
brainstem
reticular formation
brain stem
Located below the thalamus and is part of the limbic system
hypothalamus
basal forebrain
brainstem
reticular formation
hypothalamus
Which of the following is a function of the hypothalamus?
Regulating endocrine glands
Regulating digestion
Regulating respiration
Regulating heart rate
Regulating endocrine glands
Which of the following is NOT a function of acetylcholine in the brain?
Promoting wakefulness
Affecting learning and memory Affecting the ability of brain cells to transmit information
Promoting hunger
Promoting hunger
Produces acetylcholine, which affects learning and memory
Hypothalamus
Basal forebrain
Brainstem
Basal forebrain
Serves as a communication highway between the brain and body
Hypothalamus
Basal forebrain
Brainstem
Brainstem
Plays a part in many essential functions of the body
Hypothalamus
Basal forebrain
Brainstem
Hypothalamus
What is the role of the neurons of the Ascending Arousal System (AAS)?
a) Regulating digestion
b) Regulating wakefulness and sleep-wake transitions
c) Regulating body temperature
d) Regulating heart rate
b) Regulating wakefulness and sleep-wake transitions
The AAS begins in the ________ part of the brainstem and sends excitatory projections up through the cerebral cortex.
lowest
Match the neurotransmitter with its function:
Acetylcholine (ACh)
1) Responds to stress; fight or flight
2) Modulator of arousal, memory
3) Regulates mood, impulsivity, anxiety
4) Involved in reward and addiction
Modulator of arousal, memory
Serotonin (5HT)
1) Responds to stress; fight or flight
2) Modulator of arousal, memory
3) Regulates mood, impulsivity, anxiety
4) Involved in reward and addiction
Regulates mood, impulsivity, anxiety
Dopamine (DA)
1) Responds to stress; fight or flight
2) Modulator of arousal, memory
3) Regulates mood, impulsivity, anxiety
4) Involved in reward and addiction
Involved in reward and addiction
Norepinephrine (NE)
1) Responds to stress; fight or flight
2) Modulator of arousal, memory
3) Regulates mood, impulsivity, anxiety
4) Involved in reward and addiction
Responds to stress; fight or flight
How many main AAR pathways are there?
2
The Ventral route is a ________ path that runs through the hypothalamus and forebrain.
direct
Match the pathway with its description
Ventral route
1) Indirect path that runs through the thalamus
2) Direct path that runs through the hypothalamus and forebrain
Direct path that runs through the hypothalamus and forebrain
Dorsal route
1) Indirect path that runs through the thalamus
2) Direct path that runs through the hypothalamus and forebrain
Indirect path that runs through the thalamus
Which AAS pathway is active only during wakefulness?
a) Ventral route
b) Dorsal route
c) Both
d) Neither
Ventral route
The Dorsal Path controls ________ and movement.
muscles
Match the neurotransmitter with its pathway:
Dopamine (DA)
1) Dorsal
2) Ventral
3) Both
Ventral
Norepinephrine
1) Dorsal
2) Ventral
3) Both
Ventral
Histamine
1) Dorsal
2) Ventral
3) Both
Ventral
Which neurotransmitter is involved in reward and addiction?
a) Acetylcholine (ACh)
b) Serotonin (5HT)
c) Dopamine (DA)
d) Norepinephrine (NE)
Dopamine
Orexin is active only during ________ and stimulates wakefulness centers of the brain.
wake
Which neurotransmitter responds to stress and is involved in the fight or flight response?
a) Acetylcholine (ACh)
b) Serotonin (5HT)
c) Dopamine (DA)
d) Norepinephrine (NE)
Norepinephrine
The Ventral Path runs to the cortex more directly, through the ________ and basal forebrain
hypothalamus
Match the neurotransmitter with its function:
Histamine
1) Regulates mood, impulsivity, anxiety
2) Widespread excitatory effects throughout the brain
3) Stimulates wakefulness centers of the brain
Widespread excitatory effects throughout the brain
Orexin
1) Regulates mood, impulsivity, anxiety
2) Widespread excitatory effects throughout the brain
3) Stimulates wakefulness centers of the brain
Stimulates wakefulness centers of the brain
Serotonin (5HT)
1) Regulates mood, impulsivity, anxiety
2) Widespread excitatory effects throughout the brain
3) Stimulates wakefulness centers of the brain
Regulates mood, impulsivity, anxiety
The dorsal path is active during wake and ______ sleep
REM
Acetylcholine
1) Involved in reward and addiction
2) Modulator of arousal, memory
3) Regulates mood, impulsivity, anxiety
Modulator of arousal, memory
Serotonin (5HT)
1) Involved in reward and addiction
2) Modulator of arousal, memory
3) Regulates mood, impulsivity, anxiety
Regulates mood, impulsivity, anxiety
Dopamine
1) Involved in reward and addiction
2) Modulator of arousal, memory
3) Regulates mood, impulsivity, anxiety
Involved in reward and addiction
The AAS receives inputs from all the major ______ systems
sensory
What is responsible for the sleep-wake transition?
a) The function of a few small areas of the brain
b) The function of the entire brain
c) The function of the heart
The function of a few small areas of the brain
True or False:
Transitions between sleep and wakefulness occur relatively quickly, in just seconds.
True
The ability to remain in a stable period of sleep or wakefulness is a result of ____________ inhibition
mutual
Match the following terms with their definitions:
Sleep-wake transition
1) The function of a few small areas of the brain
2) Only sleep or wake can be active at any given time
The function of a few small areas of the brain
Mutual inhibition
1) The function of a few small areas of the brain
2) Only sleep or wake can be active at any given time
Only sleep or wake can be active at any given time
True or False
Both sleep and wake can be active at the same time.
False
What is the function of specific areas within the hypothalamus?
To initiate and maintain sleep
What happens when neurons in one area of the hypothalamus become more active?
Inhibitory, sleep-promoting transmitters are released and deactivate the other area.
True or False:
Only one part of the hypothalamus can be active at a time.
True
What is the function of the sleep flip-flop switch in the hypothalamus?
To allow us to easily transition from wake to sleep and vice versa
When is the “sleep off” side of the hypothalamus activated?
When neurons in the posterolateral hypothalamus are turned on.
When is the “sleep on” side of the hypothalamus activated?
When neurons in the anterior hypothalamus are turned on.
The sleep flip-flop switch is located in the _______.
hypothalamus
Posterolateral hypothalamus
Sleep off or on
Sleep off
Anterior hypothalamus
Sleep on or off
Sleep on
Which of the following is NOT a function of specific areas within the hypothalamus?
a) Initiate sleep
b) Maintain sleep
c) Promote hunger
promote hunger
True or False:
The sleep flip-flop switch allows us to easily transition from hunger to thirst.
False
What happens to neurons in the ventrolateral preoptic (VLPO) area of the anterior hypothalamus when we have been awake for a long time?
a. They become less active
b. They become more active
c. They shut down completely
d. They release excitatory neurotransmitters
They become more active
True or False
Activity of VLPO neurons shuts down the activity of the AAS via release of inhibitory neurotransmitters
True
VLPO neurons are necessary for maintaining _____________
sleep
Match the following terms with their definitions:
VLPO area
1) Chemicals released by neurons that shut down activity
2) Ventrolateral preoptic area of the anterior hypothalamus
3) Ascending arousal system
Ventrolateral preoptic area of the anterior hypothalamus
AAS
1) Chemicals released by neurons that shut down activity
2) Ventrolateral preoptic area of the anterior hypothalamus
3) Ascending arousal system
Ascending arousal system
Inhibitory neurotransmitters
1) Chemicals released by neurons that shut down activity
2) Ventrolateral preoptic area of the anterior hypothalamus
3) Ascending arousal system
Chemicals released by neurons that shut down activity
True or False
The longer we have been awake, the less active VLPO neurons become.
False
True or False
Older people report more difficulty in maintaining sleep and increased awakenings.
True
Which of the following is less common among older people?
a. Difficulty maintaining sleep
b. Increased awakenings
c. Problems falling asleep
d. Loss of VLPO neurons
Problems falling asleep
Changes in sleep quality among older people may be a consequence of loss of ________ neurons.
VLPO
Match the following
Sleep quality
1) The ability to fall and stay asleep without disruptions
2) The process of growing older
3) Neurons in the ventrolateral preoptic area of the anterior hypothalamus
The ability to fall and stay asleep without disruptions
Aging
1) The ability to fall and stay asleep without disruptions
2) The process of growing older
3) Neurons in the ventrolateral preoptic area of the anterior hypothalamus
the process of growing older
VLPO Neurons
1) The ability to fall and stay asleep without disruptions
2) The process of growing older
3) Neurons in the ventrolateral preoptic area of the anterior hypothalamus
Neurons in the ventrolateral preoptic area of the anterior hypothalamus
True or False
Problems falling asleep are more common amoung older people
False
Which neurotransmitter is the most widespread inhibitory neurotransmitter and regulates sleep and functions such as balance, coordination, and memory?
A) Serotonin
B) Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
C) Dopamine
D) Acetylcholine
Gamma-amnio-butyric acid
Galanin is distributed throughout the brain and involved in functions beyond sleep, including:
A) Digestion
B) Sight
C) Learning and memory
D) Hearing
Learning and memory
Galanin neurons are substantially diminished among which populations that suffer from sleep disruption?
A) Teenagers
B) Adults
C) The elderly and those with Alzheimer’s disease
D) Athletes
The elderly and those with Alzheimer’s disease
True or False:
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an excitatory neurotransmitter.
False
Galanin is involved in functions beyond sleep, including ____________ and memory
Learnin
What functions does GABA regulate?
a) Vision and hearing
b) Taste and smell
c) Balance, coordination, memory, and sleep
d) Muscle movement and heartbeat
Balance, coordination, memory, and sleep
True or False: Galanin is only involved in sleep regulation.
False. Galanin is involved in functions beyond sleep, including learning and memory
How are galanin neurons related to sleep disruption?
a) They have no relationship to sleep disruption
b) They cause sleep disruption in young adults
c) They are only related to sleep disruption in pregnant women
d) They are related to sleep disruption in the elderly and those with Alzheimer’s disease
They are related to sleep disruption in the elderly and those with Alzheimer’s disease
Which area of the hypothalamus becomes more active the longer we are awake?
A) Ventrolateral preoptic area (VLPO)
B) Median preoptic (MNPO) area
C) Lateral hypothalamus
D) Suprachiasmatic nucleus
Median preoptic (MNPO) area
What is the function of VLPO neurons?
A) They help initiate sleep.
B) They become more active the longer we are awake.
C) They shut down the AAS via inhibitory neurotransmitters.
D) They are necessary for maintaining sleep.
They shut down the AAS via inhibitory neurotransmitters.
Is there any evidence that lesions of the MNPO area impair sleep?
No
Unlike VLPO there is no evidence that lesions of the MNPO area impair sl
What is the role of MNPO neurons in sleep regulation?
A) They help initiate sleep.
B) They become more active the longer we are awake.
C) They shut down the AAS via inhibitory neurotransmitters.
D) They are necessary for maintaining sleep.
They help initiate sleep
Which type of neurons are necessary for maintaining sleep?
A) MNPO neurons
B) VLPO neurons
C) Suprachiasmatic nucleus neurons
D) Lateral hypothalamus neurons
VLPO neurons
What is the main function of MNPO neurons?
a) To initiate sleep
b) To maintain sleep
c) To regulate circadian rhythms
d) To promote wakefulness
To initiate sleep
What do VLPO neurons do to the AAS?
a) They activate it
b) They shut it down
c) They modify its activity
d) They have no effect on it
They shut it down
What effect does Adenosine have on Ach release in the basal forebrain?
A) It stimulates Ach release
B) It inhibits Ach release
C) It has no effect on Ach release
It inhibits Ach release
True or False:
Adenosine accumulates in the bloodstream during wake and increases sleep drive.
True
Adenosine helps regulate which stage of sleep?
A) REM sleep
B) Stage 1 sleep
C) Stage 2 sleep
D) Deep sleep
Deep sleep
How does the brain’s rate of adenosine metabolism affect deep sleep?
A) It has no effect on deep sleep
B) It increases the duration of deep sleep
C) It decreases the intensity of deep sleep
D) It affects both the intensity and duration of deep sleep
It affects both the intensity and duration of deep sleep
True or False
Adenosine metabolism has no impact on vulnerability to the effects of sleep deprivation.
False
Adenosine is a:
a) Excitatory transmitter
b) Inhibitory transmitter
c) Neuromodulator
Inhibitory transmitter
True or False
Adenosine accumulates in the bloodstream during wakefulness and increases sleep drive.
True
Adenosine regulates which stage of sleep?
a) REM sleep
b) NREM sleep
c) Both REM and NREM sleep
Both REM and NREM sleep
True or False
The brain’s rate of adenosine metabolism has no effect on the intensity and duration of deep sleep.
False
Adenosine metabolism plays a role in determining your vulnerability to the effects of:
a) Stress
b) Exercise
c) Sleep deprivation
Sleep deprivation
What is the primary function of Adenosine as a neurotransmitter?
a. Stimulating Ach release in the basal forebrain
b. Inhibiting Ach rele
inhibiting Ach release in the basal forebrain
True or False
Adenosine accumulates in the bloodstream during wake and increases sleep drive.
True
How does the brain’s rate of adenosine metabolism impact sleep?
a. It has no impact on sleep
b. It affects the intensity and duration of deep sleep
c. It only affects REM sleep
d. None of the above
it affects the intensity and duration of deep sleep
Adenosine metabolism helps determine what aspect of sleep?
a. Dreams
b. Sleep quality
c. Sleep quantity
d. All of the above
sleep quality
Caffeine acts as an __________-receptor antagonist
adenosine
What is the name for the neuron that releases neurotransmitters at a synapse?
a) Presynaptic neuron
b) Postsynaptic neuron
c) Interneuron
presynaptic neuron
What is the mechanism by which caffeine exerts its effects on adenosine receptors?
a) It activates adenosine receptors, leading to increased adenosine activity
b) It blocks adenosine receptors, leading to decreased adenosine activity
c) It has no effect on adenosine receptors
It blocks adenosine receptors, leading to decreased adenosine activity
True or False:
A synapse is the junction where two neurons meet and exchange neurotransmitters.
True
What is the primary mechanism through which caffeinated beverages stimulate the brain?
a) By increasing blood flow to the brain
b) By directly stimulating neurons in the brain
c) By acting on adenosine receptors
By acting on adenosine receptors
Caffeine acts as an adenosine- receptor ___________.
antagonist
True or False
Adenosine is a neurotransmitter that promotes wakefulness and alertness.
False
What is the primary way that caffeine acts as a stimulant?
a) By mimicking the effects of adenosine
b) By increasing the production of dopamine
c) By blocking the absorption of adenosine
d) By promoting the release of acetylcholine
By blocking the absorption of adenosine
True or False:
A synapse is the site where two neurons come into contact and the presynaptic neuron releases a hormone that binds to receptors on the postsynaptic cell.
False
What is the primary source of the stimulant effect of caffeinated beverages?
a) The presence of caffeine molecules
b) The way caffeine interacts with serotonin receptors
c) The way caffeine acts on adenosine receptors
d) The presence of sugar and other sweeteners
The way caffeine acts on adenosine receptors
Which of the following is true about Nicotine?
A) It is a depressant
B) It is a hallucinogen
C) It is a stimulant
D) It is an opioid
C
Nicotine works via a different mechanism than other stimulants. How does it work?
A) It increases serotonin release
B) It increases norepinephrine release
C) It increases dopamine release
D) It increases GABA release
B
Which of the following is true about the effects of Nicotine on the body?
A) It slows down heart rate
B) It reduces blood pressure
C) It increases heart rate
D) It has no effect on heart rate
C
What is the primary reason for the reinforcing effects of Nicotine?
A) It activates the reward pathways in the brain
B) It decreases dopamine release
C) It increases serotonin release
D) It decreases norepinephrine release
A
Nicotine is most commonly found in which of the following?
A) Marijuana
B) Alcohol
C) Cigarettes
D) Cocaine
C
