Pharmocology Unit 5 Flashcards
What is the location of the thalamus?
Located deep within the brain, superior to the hypothalamus.
What are the functions of the thalamus?
Relays sensory and motor signals to the cerebral cortex, regulates consciousness, sleep, and alertness, plays a role in processing emotions and memory, and acts as a filter for incoming sensory information.
What is the location of the cerebrum?
The largest part of the brain, located in the upper portion of the cranial cavity, divided into two hemispheres (left and right).
What are the functions of the cerebrum?
Responsible for higher-level cognitive functions, controls voluntary motor functions, interprets sensory information, language processing (primarily in the left hemisphere), personality, and conscious thought.
What is the location of the cerebellum?
Located at the back of the brain, beneath the cerebrum.
What are the functions of the cerebellum?
Coordinates voluntary motor movements, posture, and balance; plays a role in motor learning and fine motor control; helps with maintaining equilibrium.
What is the location of the brain stem?
Connects the cerebrum and cerebellum to the spinal cord, comprised of the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata.
What are the functions of the brain stem?
Controls essential involuntary functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure; relays information between the brain and spinal cord; plays a role in sleep-wake cycles.
What is the location of the medulla oblongata?
The lowest part of the brain stem, continuous with the spinal cord.
What are the functions of the medulla oblongata?
Controls vital autonomic functions, including heart rate, respiration, and blood pressure; reflex centers for vomiting, coughing, sneezing, and swallowing; relays nerve signals between the brain and spinal cord.
What is the location of the pons?
Located above the medulla oblongata and below the midbrain, within the brain stem.
What are the functions of the pons?
Relays signals between the cerebrum and the cerebellum; involved in controlling respiration, sleep, and arousal; contains cranial nerve nuclei.
What is the location of the hypothalamus?
Located below the thalamus, within the diencephalon.
What are the functions of the hypothalamus?
Regulates body temperature, hunger, thirst, and sleep-wake cycles; controls the autonomic nervous system; produces hormones that control the pituitary gland; plays a key role in emotional responses.
What is Depression?
A mood disorder that causes persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest, and can interfere with daily life.
What are the signs and symptoms of Depression?
Persistent sad, anxious, or ‘empty’ mood. Loss of interest or pleasure in activities. Changes in appetite or weight. Sleep disturbances (insomnia or hypersomnia). Fatigue or loss of energy. Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt. Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions. Thoughts of death or suicide.
What are the drug therapies for Depression?
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (e.g., sertraline, fluoxetine). Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) (e.g., duloxetine, venlafaxine). Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) (e.g., amitriptyline, nortriptyline). Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) (e.g., phenelzine, tranylcypromine).
What is Mania?
A state of abnormally elevated mood, increased energy, and impulsive behavior.
What are the signs and symptoms of Mania?
Elevated mood (euphoria) or irritability. Increased energy and activity. Racing thoughts and rapid speech. Impulsive or reckless behavior. Decreased need for sleep. Grandiose ideas or inflated self-esteem. Distractibility.
What are the drug therapies for Mania?
Mood stabilizers (e.g., lithium, valproic acid, lamotrigine). Antipsychotics (e.g., risperidone, olanzapine).
What is Parkinson’s Disease?
A progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement.
What are the signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease?
Tremor (shaking), often in the hands. Bradykinesia (slowed movement). Rigidity (stiffness of the limbs and trunk). Postural instability (impaired balance and coordination). Speech changes. Loss of automatic movements (e.g., blinking, smiling).
What are the drug therapies for Parkinson’s Disease?
Levodopa/carbidopa. Dopamine agonists (e.g., pramipexole, ropinirole). MAO-B inhibitors (e.g., selegiline, rasagiline). COMT inhibitors (e.g., entacapone).
What is Anxiety?
A feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.
