CVA Neurophysiology & Mechanisms of Acupuncture Action 2

Question 1

Acupuncture's net effect on the autonomic nervous system in chronic pain states typically results in:

Accepted Answer

Increased parasympathetic tone and normalization of sympathetic hyperactivity

Answer

Acupuncture generally restores autonomic balance by enhancing parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) tone and dampening chronic sympathetic hyperactivity associated with pain and stress states.

Question 2

How does acupuncture modulate Substance P in the context of chronic pain management?

Accepted Answer

It can reduce elevated Substance P levels, thereby decreasing neurogenic inflammation and central sensitization

Answer

Acupuncture has been shown to reduce elevated Substance P concentrations in chronic pain states, attenuating its pro-inflammatory and pro-nociceptive effects in peripheral tissues and the spinal cord.

Question 3

Stimulation of acupuncture point ST-36 (Zusanli) in dogs activates which specific anti-inflammatory mechanism?

Accepted Answer

The cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway via vagus nerve activation

Answer

ST-36 stimulation activates the vagus nerve's cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway, which inhibits macrophage release of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) systemically.

Question 4

What role do mast cells play in the neurophysiology of acupuncture point stimulation?

Accepted Answer

Mast cells degranulate upon needle insertion, releasing histamine and heparin that activate local afferent nerve fibers

Answer

Mast cells, concentrated at acupuncture point locations, degranulate in response to needle insertion, releasing bioactive mediators that activate local afferent C and A-delta fibers to initiate acupuncture signaling.

Question 5

Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP) is significant in veterinary acupuncture neurophysiology primarily because:

Accepted Answer

It mediates local vasodilation and participates in neurogenic inflammation modulation at acupuncture sites

Answer

CGRP released from sensory nerve terminals at acupuncture sites promotes local vasodilation and modulates the neurogenic inflammatory response, influencing both local tissue effects and afferent signaling.

CVA - Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist Practice Test

CVA - Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist Practice Test

CVA Neurophysiology & Mechanisms of Acupuncture Action 2