Neurophysiology Review Flashcards
T/F: L-dopa is produced when dopamine is broken down by neurons
False
L-dopa is produced from tyrosine and then converted to dopamine
Clinical relevance: Parkinson disease/mood/affect/emotional experience; binds 2 metabotropic receptors
T/F: the circumventricular organs are characterized by the absence of glial endfeet surrounding the cerebral capillaries
True
The circumventricular organs are regions where the BBB is “incomplete”. Tight junctions between capillary endothelial cells are not present
These regions all require exposure to plasma constituents to do their job — area postrema (vomiting), OVLT and SFO (ADH release), posterior pituitary (ADH and oxytocin release)
These areas are also more sensitive to damage d/t toxins in the blood, and drugs will cross into these regions
T/F: influx of calcium into a neuron can elicit apoptosis in a susceptible neuron
True
Calcium influx via the NMDA receptor initiates apoptosis in any cell receiving synaptic input from the overactive cell, even if the cell isn’t impacted by the original insult
T/F: full consciousness is produced by the release of ACh and glutamate (EAA) from medullary and pontine regions
False
These systems are sufficient to be considered “awake”, but full awareness/consciousness requires serotonergic, noradrenergic, and dopaminergic signaling as well
T/F: P-glycoprotein is required for the movement of glucose from the plasma into the CSF
False
Glucose requires a specific transporter (GLUT1) that is insulin inependent
P-glycoprotein is responsible for moving many drugs or other substances from the CSF to the blood
T/F: the ability to recognize an object by feel alone (stereognosis) is completed in somatosensory cortex 1
False
This is done by S2 which also is able to compare 2 objects and ties to memory
T/F: damage to the insular cortex abolishes the ability to feel pain
False
The insular cortex coordinates autonomic responses. Damage produces asymbolia - painful inputs are recognized as painful, but not perceived as unpleasant
T/F: damage to the dorsal visual pathway impairs the ability to use visual info in motor actions
True
The dorsal visual pathway involves the use of visual information in motion while the venral visual pathway involves higher cognitive processing using visual info (naming objects, etc…)
Because of the 2 pathways, the ability to name an object can be divorced from the ability to copy the object
T/F: activation of the saccule will give rise to the sensation of falling forward
False
The utricle senses horizontal linear acceleration, while the saccule senses vertical linear acceleration.
Falling forward is sensed by the anterior semicircular canals! Falling backward would be the posterior canals, and turning in circles would be horizontal canals
T/F: Spasticity results from increased gamma-motor neuron activity in the muscle spindle
True
Spasticity results from damage to the cortical regions that activate the brainstem inhibitory area, which usually inhibits gamma motoneurons. Thus if this area is damaged, there will be un-inhibited gamma-motorneuron activity in the muscle spindle
What creates and maintains the membrane potential?
Created by Na/K ATPase (3 sodium out for every 2 potassium in)
Maintained by the selective permeability of the membrane via K+ leak channels and ClC1 chloride channel
The source of myelin is different in central vs. peripheral neurons.
____ provide myelination in CNS while _______ provide mylination in the PNS
Oligodendrocytes = central
Schwann cells = peripheral
Release of NT onto a postsynaptic cell results in different actions depending on if it is ionotropic or metabotropic
If it is ionotropic, and the signal is _____ or ______ -the cell depolarizes and an EPSP occurs
If it is ionotropic, and the signal is _____ or ______ -the cell hyperpolarizes and an IPSP occurs
Calcium; sodium
Chloride; potassium
Release of NT onto a postsynaptic cell results in different actions depending on if it is ionotropic or metabotropic
What are some examples of types of G proteins that impact intracellular response?
Gs = stimulation of AC activity
Gi = inhibition of AC activity
Gq = activation of IP3/DAG
What monoamine NTs are derived from tyrosine
Dopamine — binds 2 metabotrobic receptors
Catecholamines: epinephrine and norepinephrine — binds alpha and beta adrenergic receptors
What monoamine NT is derived from histidine
Histamine — involved in wakefulness, binds H1 and H2 receptors
What monoamine NT is derived from tryptophan
Serotonin (5-HT)
Serotonin (5HT) binds multiple receptor subtypes. Most are metabotropic, but one is ionotropic. What is the significance of the ionotropic receptor for serotonin — what is the physiologic response?
The ionotropic receptor is found in area postrema and triggers vomiting
GABA is an inhibitory NT involving chloride entrance into the cell. It binds 2 receptors, GABA-A which is ______ and GABA-B which is ______
Ionotropic; metabotropic
Almost all spinal inhibitor reflexes rely on what NT? What type of receptor?
Glycine — ionotropic receptor (chloride)
Which NT receptor involves calcium influx and is especially active after seizure/stroke/TBI?
NMDA receptor
The CSF in the CNS is produced by the ___ ____ and membranes lining the ventricles
Describe its content in comparison to plasma
Choroid plexus
Low protein, glucose, and K content relative to blood
Mg content higher than plasma
2 components of BBB
Tight junctions between capillary endothelial cells
Podocytes from glial cells cover capillaries to reduce surface area
What happens to cerebral blood flow if systemic BP goes too high?
Activation of alpha-adrenergic receptors on cerebral vasculature
Vasoconstriction
Prevents high BP from damaging capillaries (where BBB is — so protects the BBB as much as possible)
What happens if cerebral blood flow is compromised?
Brain will activate pressor regions in the medulla, driving systemic pressure up to force blood through to the brain
The vasculature in the brain is innervated with ______, meaning if the vasculature is distended, torqued, or twisted, _____ is perceived
Nociceptors; pain
What effect do intracranial bleeds have on BP?
Increased intracranial pressure can lead to tremendous increases in systemic BP as the brain tries to maintain perfusion
To be considered “awake” what 2 components are required?
Medullary RAS and parabrachial nuclei (glutamate)
Pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus and laterodorsal n. (ACh)