NURS 6630 Short Answer Assessment
Answer Assessment : Central Nervous System
The human brain is complex in terms of structures and functions. Mental disorders are on the rise in the United States and these conditions require effective psychological and psychopharmacological therapies for optimal outcome. The pathophysiology of mental disorders is best understood by understanding how it interferes with the basic brain anatomy and physiology, since pharmacotherapy affects brain functions. It is therefore necessary for a mental health practitioner to have better understanding of the anatomy and function of the central nervous system. The purpose of this paper is to examine the basic anatomical structures and functions of the central nervous system.
Describe the Anatomy of the Neuron
Neuron the basic functional unit of the nervous system that transmits information to different parts of the body from the brain and vice versa. It is made up of different parts, namely the axon, the dendrites, nucleus, myelin sheath, soma, and the synapse. Transmission of electrical impulses through the neurons is mediated by an influx of certain positive ions such as sodium and calcium (Zhang, 2019). Electrical potential travels from one neuron to the next through the node of Ranvier and the myelin sheath assists in faster propagation of the impulse. The impulse terminates at the synapse where it conveys appropriate information. For instance, pain and heat sensation are transmitted through the efferent nerve fibers to the brain as an impulse for interpretation and the brain acts accordingly, by withdrawing from harmful stimuli.
Major Components of the Subcortical Structures
- Diencephalon – process and relay information to the body
- Hippocampus – responsible for long-term memory
- Pituitary glands – releases important hormones in the body such as growth hormone and thyroid stimulating hormone
- Limbic structures – responsible for emotions and motivation (Zhang, 2019).
- Basal ganglia – responsible for movement
Which component plays a role in learning, memory, and addiction?
Mesocorticolimbic system composed of:
- Cortical part – responsible for learning
- Limbic system – amygdala and hippocampus are responsible for memory (Wise & Jordan, 2021).
- Nucleus accumbens – responsible for the sensation of pleasure that results in addiction.
Two major neurotransmitters located in the nigra striatal that control motor
- Dopamine
- GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid) (Abg Abd Wahab et al., 2019)
Explain how Glia Cells Functions in the Central Nervous System
Glia cells are cells that do not conduct nerve impulses. They offer support to both the central and the peripheral nervous systems. They are involved in the protection of the neurons, neurotransmission regulation, and blood-brain barrier formation. There are several types of glia cells and each has a specific function. Examples include microglia, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes (Zhang, 2019). Microglia are termed brain scavengers while astrocytes assist in the formation of blood-brain barrier. Oligodendrocytes are important in producing myelin sheath.
Explain what Part of the Neurons are Communicating with Each other and in which Direction.
The synapse is located between the axon and the dendrites, and is where the neurotransmitters are released before they bind to the dendrites. After the action potential is generated, the axons are responsible for its transmission from one neuron to the next bypassing the synapse and releasing the neurotransmitters to the dendrites into the synaptic cleft (Heinbockel & Csoka, 2019). These chemical messengers then diffuse across the synapse binding to receptors on the post synaptic neuron. Communication generated in the presynaptic region is thus passed to the post synaptic neuron via neurotransmitters and binds to specific receptors.NURS 6630 Short Answer Assessment
Explain the Concept of Neuroplasticity and Give an Example.
Neuroplasticity is the adaptation of the brain in continuously forming new neurons throughout one’s life in response to environmental changes by replacing dead or injured cells or making some adjustments. The human brain is dynamic and plastic and contains much information that regulates human survival (Kaczmarek, 2020). Therefore, neuroplasticity helps neurons to form new circuits that help humans learn new skills. Humans are also able to respond to the challenges and experiences of everyday life. An example of neuroplasticity is when someone is learning to play a piano. Repeated practice usually strengthens the neurons involved in motor and auditory processing of the individual making it easier to learn the new skill.
Conclusion
The central nervous system functions are important in coordinating and relaying information in the whole body. The neurons are central in transmitting information from one neuron to the next. Different structures in the brain such as the hippocampus, amygdala, and the cortex rely on the information transmitted by neurons to make appropriate responses. Constant replacement of neurons allows humans to adapt to their environment.
References
Abg Abd Wahab, D. Y., Gau, C. H., Zakaria, R., Muthu Karuppan, M. K., Abdullah, Z., Alrafiah, A., & Muthuraju, S. (2019). Review on cross talk between neurotransmitters and neuroinflammation in striatum and cerebellum in the mediation of motor behaviour. BioMed research international, 2019. https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/1767203
Heinbockel, T., & Csoka, A. B. (2019). Introductory Chapter: The Chemical Basis of Neural Function and Dysfunction. In Neurochemical basis of brain function and dysfunction. IntechOpen.
Kaczmarek, B. L. (2020). Current views on neuroplasticity: what is new and what is old?. Acta Neuropsychologica, 18, 1-14. https://doi.org/10.5604/01.3001.0013.8808
Wise, R. A., & Jordan, C. J. (2021). Dopamine, behavior, and addiction. Journal of biomedical science, 28(1), 1-9. https://jbiomedsci.biomedcentral.com/counter/pdf/10.1186/s12929-021-00779-7.pdf
Zhang, J. (2019). Basic neural units of the brain: neurons, synapses and action potential. arXiv preprint arXiv:1906.01703. https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.1906.01703
Zhang, J. (2019). Secrets of the brain: an introduction to the brain anatomical structure and biological function. arXiv preprint arXiv:1906.03314. https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.1906.03314
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Short Answer Assessment
As a psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner, before you can recommend potential pharmacotherapeutics to address a patient’s condition or disorder, you must understand the basic function and structure of the neuron and central nervous system. For this Assignment, you will review and apply your understanding of neuroanatomy by addressing a set of short answer prompts.
To Prepare:
- Review the Learning Resources for this week in preparation to complete this Assignment.
- Reflect on the basic function and structure of the neuron in relation to the central nervous system.
- Reflect on the inter-connectedness between neurons and the central nervous system, including the pathway and distribution of electrical impulses.
- Reflect on how neurons communicate with each other and review the concept of neuroplasticity.NURS 6630 Short Answer Assessment
To complete:
Address the following Short Answer prompts for your Assignment. Be sure to include references to the Learning Resources for this week.
- In 4 or 5 sentences, describe the anatomy of the basic unit of the nervous system, the neuron. Include each part of the neuron and a general overview of electrical impulse conduction, the pathway it travels, and the net result at the termination of the impulse. Be specific and provide examples.
- Answer the following (listing is acceptable for these questions):
- What are the major components that make up the subcortical structures?
- Which component plays a role in learning, memory, and addiction?
- What are the two key neurotransmitters located in the nigra striatal region of the brain that play a major role in motor control?
- In 3 or 4 sentences, explain how glia cells function in the central nervous system. Be specific and provide examples.
- The synapse is an area between two neurons that allows for chemical communication. In 3 or 4 sentences, explain what part of the neurons are communicating with each other and in which direction does this communication occur? Be specific.
- In 3–5 sentences, explain the concept of “neuroplasticity.” Be specific and provide examples.
Resources
Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity.
Click the weekly resources link to access the resources.
Learning Resources
Required Readings
- Stahl, S. M. (2021). Stahl’s essential psychopharmacology: Neuroscientific basis and practical applications (5th Ed.) Cambridge University Press.
- Chapter 1, “Chemical Neurotransmission” (pp. 1-28)
Required Media
- Psychopharmacologic Approaches to Treatment of Psychopathology (3m)
- Mental Health TV. (2022, Oct 7). Psychopharmacology-Module one
- Links to an external site. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ku8PZlXAYco
- Mental Health TV. (2022, Oct 7). Psychopharmacology-Module two
- Links to an external site. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jw9uc4qVqew
- Mental Health TV. (2022, Oct 7). Psychopharmacology-Module three
- Links to an external site. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLGfB3E4rqE&t=538s
Optional Media
- Pathopharmacology: Disorders of the Nervous System: Exploring the Human BrainDr. Norbert Myslinski reviews the structure and function of the human brain. Using human brains, he examines and illustrates the development of the brain and areas impacted by disorders associated with the brain. (15m)NURS 6630 Short Answer Assessment
- Introduction to Advanced PharmacologyIn this media presentation, Dr. Terry Buttaro, associate professor of practice at Simmons School of Nursing and Health Sciences, discusses the importance of pharmacology for the advanced practice nurse. (6m)
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submission information
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Rubric
NURS_6630_Week1_Assignment_Rubric
Criteria | Ratings | Pts | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome In 4 or 5 sentences, describe the anatomy of the basic unit of the nervous sytem, the neuron. Include each part of the neuron and a general overview of electrical impulse conduction, the pathway it travels, and the net result at the termination of the impulse. Be specific and provide examples. |
|
13 pts | ||||
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Answer the following (listing is acceptable for these questions):a. What are the major components that make up the subcortical structures?b. Which component plays a role in learning, memory, and addiction?c. What are the two key neurotransmitters located in the nigra striatal region of the brain that play a major role in motor control? |
|
13 pts | ||||
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome In 3 or 4 sentences, explain how glia cells function in the central nervous system. Be specific and provide examples. |
|
13 pts | ||||
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome The synapse is an area between two neurons that allows for chemical communication. In 3 or 4 sentences, explain what part of the neurons are communicating with each other and in which direction does this communication occur? Be specific. |
|
13 pts | ||||
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome In 3–5 sentences, explain the concept of “neuroplasticity.” Be specific and provide examples. |
|
13 pts | ||||
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Written Expression and Formatting – English writing standards: Correct grammar, mechanics, and proper punctuation |
|
5 pts | ||||
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Written Expression and Formatting – The paper follows correct APA format for title page, headings, font, spacing, margins, indentations, page numbers, parenthetical/in-text citations, and reference list. |
|
5 pts | ||||
Total Points: 75 |