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NURS 6630 Short Answer Assessment

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.

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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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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?
  3. In 3 or 4 sentences, explain how glia cells function in the central nervous system. Be specific and provide examples.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

WEEKLY 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

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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By Day 7

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Rubric

NURS_6630_Week1_Assignment_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 to >11.0 ptsExcellent Point range: 90–100

The response accurately and clearly describes in detail the anatomy of the neuron. The response accurately and clearly describes in detail each part of the neuron, and it includes a detailed explanation of the general overview of electrical impulse conduction, the pathway it travels, and the net result at the termination of the impulse…. Examples fully support the response provided.

 11 to >10.0 ptsGood Point range: 80–89

The response accurately describes the anatomy of the neuron. The response accurately describes each part of the neuron, and it includes a general overview of electrical impulse conduction, the pathway it travels, and the net result at the termination of the impulse…. Examples support the response provided.

 10 to >9.0 ptsFair Point range: 70–79

The response provides an inaccurate or vague description of the anatomy of the neuron. The response inaccurately or vaguely describes each part of the neuron, and it includes an inaccurate or vague overview of electrical impulse conduction, the pathway it travels, and the net result at the termination of the impulse…. Examples vaguely support the response provided.

 9 to >0 ptsPoor Point range: 0–69

The response provides an inaccurate or incomplete description of the anatomy of the neuron, or is missing. The response inaccurately or incompletely describes each part of the neuron, and it includes an inaccurate or vague overview of electrical impulse conduction, the pathway it travels, and the net result at the termination of the impulse, or is missing…. Examples do not support the response provided, or is missing.
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 to >11.0 ptsExcellent Point range: 90–100

The response accurately and clearly details the major components that make up the subcortical structures…. The response accurately and clearly details which component plays a role in learning, memory, and addiction…. The response accurately and clearly identifies the two neurotransmitters located in the nigra striatal region of the brain that play a major role in motor control.

 11 to >10.0 ptsGood Point range: 80–89

The response accurately identifies the major components that make up the subcortical structures…. The response accurately identifies which component plays a role in learning, memory, and addiction…. The response accurately identifies the two neurotransmitters located in the nigra striatal region of the brain that play a major role in motor control.

 10 to >9.0 ptsFair Point range: 70–79

The response inaccurately identifies the major components that make up the subcortical structures…. The response inaccurately identifies which component plays a role in learning, memory, and addiction…. The response inaccurately identifies two neurotransmitters located in the nigra striatal region of the brain that play a major role in motor control.

 9 to >0 ptsPoor Point range: 0–69

The response inaccurately and incompletely identifies the major components that make up the subcortical structures, or is missing…. The response inaccurately and incompletely identifies which component plays a role in learning, memory, and addiction, or is missing…. The response inaccurately and incompletely identifies two neurotransmitters in the nigra striatal region of the brain that play a major role in motor control, or is missing.
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 to >11.0 ptsExcellent Point range: 90–100

The response accurately and clearly explains in detail how glia cells function in the central nervous system…. Examples fully support the response provided.

 11 to >10.0 ptsGood Point range: 80–89

The response accurately explains how glia cells function in the central nervous system…. Examples support the response provided.

 10 to >9.0 ptsFair Point range: 70–79

The response inaccurately or vaguely explains how glia cells function in the central nervous system…. Examples inaccurately or vaguely support the response provided.

 9 to >0 ptsPoor Point range: 0–69

The response inaccurately and vaguely explains how glia cells function in the central nervous system, or is missing…. Examples do not support the response provided, or is missing.
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 to >11.0 ptsExcellent Point range: 90–100

The response accurately and clearly explains in detail the part of the neurons that communicate with each other and the direction in which this communication occurs.

 11 to >10.0 ptsGood Point range: 80–89

The response accurately explains the part of the neurons that communicate with each other and the direction in which this communication occurs.

 10 to >9.0 ptsFair Point range: 70–79

The response inaccurately or vaguely explains the part of the neurons that communicate with each other and the direction in which this communication occurs.

 9 to >0 ptsPoor Point range: 0–69

The response inaccurately and vaguely explains the part of the neurons that communicate with each other and the direction in which this communication occurs, or is missing.
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 to >11.0 ptsExcellent Point range: 90–100

The response accurately and clearly explains in detail the concept of neuroplasticity…. Examples provided fully support the response provided.

 11 to >10.0 ptsGood Point range: 80–89

The response accurately explains the concept of neuroplasticity…. Examples provided support the response provided.

 10 to >9.0 ptsFair Point range: 70–79

The response inaccurately or vaguely explains the concept of neuroplasticity…. Examples inaccurately or vaguely support the response provided.

 9 to >0 ptsPoor Point range: 0–69

The response inaccurately and vaguely explains the concept of neuroplasticity, or is missing…. Examples do not support the response provided, or is missing.
13 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Written Expression and Formatting – English writing standards: Correct grammar, mechanics, and proper punctuation
5 to >4.0 ptsExcellent Point range: 90–100

Uses correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation with no errors.

 4 to >3.5 ptsGood Point range: 80–89

Contains a few (1 or 2) grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.

 3.5 to >2.0 ptsFair Point range: 70–79

Contains several (3 or 4) grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.

 2 to >0 ptsPoor Point range: 0–69

Contains many (≥ 5) grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors that interfere with the reader’s understanding.
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 to >4.0 ptsExcellent Point range: 90–100

Uses correct APA format with no errors.

 4 to >3.5 ptsGood Point range: 80–89

Contains a few (1 or 2) APA format errors.

 3.5 to >2.0 ptsFair Point range: 70–79

Contains several (3 or 4) APA format errors.

 2 to >0 ptsPoor Point range: 0–69

Contains many (≥ 5) APA format errors.
5 pts
Total Points: 75

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