Anatomy & Physiology Fundamentals Flashcards

Which part of the brain regulates homeostatic functions such as hunger, thirst, body temperature, and circadian rhythms?

Answer: Hypothalamus

The hypothalamus serves as the master regulator of homeostasis, controlling hunger, thirst, temperature regulation, and circadian rhythms through neural and hormonal mechanisms.

In the context of psychophysiology, what does the term 'allostasis' refer to?

Answer: Achieving stability through change in response to anticipated demands

Allostasis refers to the process of achieving stability through physiological or behavioral change in anticipation of demands, differing from homeostasis which returns to a fixed set point.

Which cranial nerve is responsible for carrying parasympathetic fibers to most thoracic and abdominal organs, including the heart and digestive tract?

Answer: Vagus nerve (CN X)

The vagus nerve (CN X) is the longest cranial nerve and carries parasympathetic fibers to the heart, lungs, and most digestive organs, mediating rest-and-digest functions.

The myelin sheath that insulates axons in the central nervous system is produced by which type of glial cell?

Answer: Oligodendrocytes

Oligodendrocytes produce myelin in the CNS, with each cell capable of myelinating multiple axon segments, whereas Schwann cells perform this function in the peripheral nervous system.

Which phase of the general adaptation syndrome (GAS) is characterized by the body's resistance to a stressor being at its highest?

Answer: Resistance phase

During the resistance (adaptation) phase of Selye's GAS, the body has mobilized resources and maintains heightened physiological resistance to the ongoing stressor.

Which neurotransmitter is deficient in Parkinson's disease, producing the characteristic motor symptoms relevant to neuropsychological assessment?

Answer: Dopamine

Parkinson's disease results from degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, leading to dopamine deficiency and impaired motor control.

The fight-or-flight response is mediated primarily by which branch of the autonomic nervous system and its associated hormones?

Answer: Sympathetic nervous system and catecholamines

The sympathetic nervous system triggers fight-or-flight by releasing catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine) from the adrenal medulla, increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and alertness.