NSCI 175 EXAM 3 QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Draw a diagram to compare the pattern of neural communication between neurons of
the secretory hypothalamus, network of neurons of the ANS, and diffuse modulatory
systems - Answer -Hormones have more widespread effects in the brain and body, can
target many sites in the body, and have often longer lasting effects compared to
traditional neurotransmitters.
Secretory Hypothalamus - Answer -By secreting chemicals directly into the
bloodstream, the secretory hypothalamus can influence functions throughout both the
brain and the body
Autonomic Nervous System - Answer -(controlled neutrally by the hypothalamus). It
has extensive interconnections within the body, the ANS simultaneously controls the
responses of many internal organs, blood vessels, and glands.
True or False: Negative feedback systems are the primary homeostatic mechanisms -
Answer -True
Set zone - Answer -The range of tolerance in a system
Redundancy - Answer -Physiological systems show redundancy—they are monitored
by more than one mechanism
Oxycotin - Answer -Neurohormone that controls lactation, suppress hypothalamic
function, "love" hormone
-Released by the magnocellular neurosecratory cells of the hypothalamus
Vasopressin (aka ADH) - Answer -Released by magnocellular neurosecratory cells of
the posterior pituitary & synthesized by hypothalamus - regulates blood volume and salt
concentration
-Lead to water retention and decreased urine output
**triggered by renin from kidney
Vasopressin & Oxytocin Receptors are expressed in the _____________ pathway -
Answer -Reward
-The Nucleus Accumbens (NAc) is part of the reward pathway
Central Nervous System - Answer -Only found in CNS and consists of related cell
groups that differ with respect to the neurotransmitter they use. Cell groups extend their
spatial reach with highly divergent axonal projections and prolong their actions by using
metabotropic postsynaptic receptors.
-Known as the diffuse modulatory system of the brain. It is believed to regulate levels of
arousal and mood.
,Homeostasis - Answer -Maintenance of body's internal environment within a narrow
physiological range
-Also involves temperature regulation: sweat, shunt blood to surface tissues where heat
can radiate away, move to shade, seek water, etc
Interaction of the hypothalamus and homeostasis - Answer --The hypothalamus
integrates somatic and visceral responses in accordance with the needs of the brain.
-A tiny lesion in the hypothalamus can produce dramatic and often fatal disruptions of
widely dispersed bodily functions.
-Temperature sensitive cells in the hypothalamus detect changes in brain temperature
and orchestrate the appropriate responses
Which part of the pituitary (anterior or posterior) is considered a true endocrince gland?
Why? - Answer -The anterior lobe of the pituitary is an actual gland. The cells of the
anterior lobe synthesize and secrete a wide range of hormones that regulate secretions
from other glands throughout the body.
Hypothalamic Control of the Anterior Pituitary - Answer -•Controlled by parvocellular
neurosecretory cells
•Secrete hypophysiotropic hormones
•Hypothalamo-pituitary portal circulation
•Pituitary cells secrete or stop secreting hormones.
-Parvo cells communicate with targets via bloodstream bc axons do not extend all the
way down
Hypothalamo-pituitary portal circulation - Answer --network of tiny blood vessels that
run down the stalk of the pituitary and branch in the anterior lobe
FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) - Answer -Controls development of ovarian follicles,
and sperm production
-Targets Gonads
LH (luteinizing hormone) - Answer -A hormone that causes maturation of the testes and
ovaries
-Targets Gonads
TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) - Answer -Stimulates secretion of thyroxin (which
increases metabolic rate)
-Targets the thyroid
ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) - Answer -Stimulates secretion of cortisol by
adrenal cortex (which mobilizes energy stores and inhibits the immune system)
GH (growth hormone) - Answer -Stimulation of protein synthesis
-Targets all cells
,Prolactin - Answer -Stimulates milk production
-Targets mammary glands
Stress response and the anterior pituitary - Answer -•Periventricular hypothalamus
secretes CRH into portal circulation.
•ACTH released into circulation
•ACTH stimulates cortisol release from adrenal cortex.
Cortisol - Answer -Stress Steroid
-Mobilizes energy & suppresses immune system!
Autonomic Nervous System response to stress - Answer --Periventricular
Hypothalamus activates the sympathetic ANS in stressful situations!
-Sympathetic division: "fight or flight"
-Increased heart rate and blood pressure
-Depressed digestive function
-Mobilized glucose reserves
**slowwwww
What are some consequences of chronic stress? - Answer -Excitotoxicity (chronic
calcium entry); cell death (degeneration) in hippocampus, ulcers, enlarged adrenal
glands, heightened anxiety, memory disruption, PTSD heightened anxiety
Stress Pathway - Answer -Stress --> cortisol from adrenal cortex
-Chronic Cortisol --> negative side effects
True or False: All of the autonomic nervous system EXCEPT the post-ganglionic
sympathetic neurons release ACh - Answer -True
The Periventricular Zone of the Hypothalamus Controls... - Answer -The autonomic
nervous system (ANS)
True or False: The cell bodies of all autonomic lower motor neurons lie outside the
central nervous system, within cell clusters called autonomic ganglia.
-The neurons in these ganglia are called postganglionic neurons. - Answer -True
Sympathetic vs Parasympathetic nervous system - Answer -The sympathetic nervous
system prepares the body for intense physical activity and is often referred to as the
fight-or-flight response. The parasympathetic nervous system has almost the exact
opposite effect and relaxes the body and inhibits or slows many high energy functions.
Preganglionic neurotransmitters - Answer -ACh binds to nAChR, evokes fast EPSP.
Ganglionic ACh activates mAChR, causes slow EPSPs and IPSPs.
Some preganglionic terminals release NPY, VIP— trigger small EPSPs.
Postganglionic Neurotransmitters - Answer -Parasympathetic: release Ach
, -Local effect
Sympathetic: most release NE
-Far-reaching effects
Parasympathomimetic: mimic or promote muscarinic actions of ACh or inhibit actions of
NE
Sympathomimetic: mimic or promote NE actions or inhibit muscarinic actions of ACh
Anabolism - Answer -Assembly of macromolecules such as glycogen and triglycerides
from simple precursors. (energy stores replenished during and immediately after a
meal)
Catabolism - Answer -Breaking down complex macromolecules. (during fasting
conditions between meals. Stored glycogen & triglycerides are broken down to provide
glucose for cellular metabolism)
Prandial state—anabolism - Answer -Energy storage as glycogen and triglycerides
Postabsorptive state—catabolism - Answer -Breaking down complex macromolecules
for energy
Lesions of VMH (ventromedial hypothalamus) - Answer -Stimulation of feeding and
over intake and obesity
Lesions of LH (lateral hypothalamus) - Answer -Reduce food seeking and result in
anorexia, severe loss of weight
Anorexia is from _______ hypothalamic syndrome - Answer -Lateral
Overeating is from _______ hypothalamic syndrome - Answer -Ventromedial
Which part of the brain is related to leptin signaling - Answer -The hypothalamus
-The arcuate nucleus and hormones are also involved
What protein is encoded by the ob gene? - Answer -Leptin
Leptin - Answer -Released by adipocytes (fat cells), regulates body mass by acting
directly on neurons of the hypothalamus that decrease appetite and increase energy
expenditure.
Leptin Depletion... - Answer -Incites adaptive responses to fight starvation
Name three ways that the hypothalamus responds to sensory input to maintain
homeostasis - Answer -Humoral, visceromotor, & somatic motor response
Humoral response - Answer -Hypothalamic neurons respond to sensory signals by
stimulating or inhibiting the release of pituitary hormones into the bloodstream.
Draw a diagram to compare the pattern of neural communication between neurons of
the secretory hypothalamus, network of neurons of the ANS, and diffuse modulatory
systems - Answer -Hormones have more widespread effects in the brain and body, can
target many sites in the body, and have often longer lasting effects compared to
traditional neurotransmitters.
Secretory Hypothalamus - Answer -By secreting chemicals directly into the
bloodstream, the secretory hypothalamus can influence functions throughout both the
brain and the body
Autonomic Nervous System - Answer -(controlled neutrally by the hypothalamus). It
has extensive interconnections within the body, the ANS simultaneously controls the
responses of many internal organs, blood vessels, and glands.
True or False: Negative feedback systems are the primary homeostatic mechanisms -
Answer -True
Set zone - Answer -The range of tolerance in a system
Redundancy - Answer -Physiological systems show redundancy—they are monitored
by more than one mechanism
Oxycotin - Answer -Neurohormone that controls lactation, suppress hypothalamic
function, "love" hormone
-Released by the magnocellular neurosecratory cells of the hypothalamus
Vasopressin (aka ADH) - Answer -Released by magnocellular neurosecratory cells of
the posterior pituitary & synthesized by hypothalamus - regulates blood volume and salt
concentration
-Lead to water retention and decreased urine output
**triggered by renin from kidney
Vasopressin & Oxytocin Receptors are expressed in the _____________ pathway -
Answer -Reward
-The Nucleus Accumbens (NAc) is part of the reward pathway
Central Nervous System - Answer -Only found in CNS and consists of related cell
groups that differ with respect to the neurotransmitter they use. Cell groups extend their
spatial reach with highly divergent axonal projections and prolong their actions by using
metabotropic postsynaptic receptors.
-Known as the diffuse modulatory system of the brain. It is believed to regulate levels of
arousal and mood.
,Homeostasis - Answer -Maintenance of body's internal environment within a narrow
physiological range
-Also involves temperature regulation: sweat, shunt blood to surface tissues where heat
can radiate away, move to shade, seek water, etc
Interaction of the hypothalamus and homeostasis - Answer --The hypothalamus
integrates somatic and visceral responses in accordance with the needs of the brain.
-A tiny lesion in the hypothalamus can produce dramatic and often fatal disruptions of
widely dispersed bodily functions.
-Temperature sensitive cells in the hypothalamus detect changes in brain temperature
and orchestrate the appropriate responses
Which part of the pituitary (anterior or posterior) is considered a true endocrince gland?
Why? - Answer -The anterior lobe of the pituitary is an actual gland. The cells of the
anterior lobe synthesize and secrete a wide range of hormones that regulate secretions
from other glands throughout the body.
Hypothalamic Control of the Anterior Pituitary - Answer -•Controlled by parvocellular
neurosecretory cells
•Secrete hypophysiotropic hormones
•Hypothalamo-pituitary portal circulation
•Pituitary cells secrete or stop secreting hormones.
-Parvo cells communicate with targets via bloodstream bc axons do not extend all the
way down
Hypothalamo-pituitary portal circulation - Answer --network of tiny blood vessels that
run down the stalk of the pituitary and branch in the anterior lobe
FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) - Answer -Controls development of ovarian follicles,
and sperm production
-Targets Gonads
LH (luteinizing hormone) - Answer -A hormone that causes maturation of the testes and
ovaries
-Targets Gonads
TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) - Answer -Stimulates secretion of thyroxin (which
increases metabolic rate)
-Targets the thyroid
ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) - Answer -Stimulates secretion of cortisol by
adrenal cortex (which mobilizes energy stores and inhibits the immune system)
GH (growth hormone) - Answer -Stimulation of protein synthesis
-Targets all cells
,Prolactin - Answer -Stimulates milk production
-Targets mammary glands
Stress response and the anterior pituitary - Answer -•Periventricular hypothalamus
secretes CRH into portal circulation.
•ACTH released into circulation
•ACTH stimulates cortisol release from adrenal cortex.
Cortisol - Answer -Stress Steroid
-Mobilizes energy & suppresses immune system!
Autonomic Nervous System response to stress - Answer --Periventricular
Hypothalamus activates the sympathetic ANS in stressful situations!
-Sympathetic division: "fight or flight"
-Increased heart rate and blood pressure
-Depressed digestive function
-Mobilized glucose reserves
**slowwwww
What are some consequences of chronic stress? - Answer -Excitotoxicity (chronic
calcium entry); cell death (degeneration) in hippocampus, ulcers, enlarged adrenal
glands, heightened anxiety, memory disruption, PTSD heightened anxiety
Stress Pathway - Answer -Stress --> cortisol from adrenal cortex
-Chronic Cortisol --> negative side effects
True or False: All of the autonomic nervous system EXCEPT the post-ganglionic
sympathetic neurons release ACh - Answer -True
The Periventricular Zone of the Hypothalamus Controls... - Answer -The autonomic
nervous system (ANS)
True or False: The cell bodies of all autonomic lower motor neurons lie outside the
central nervous system, within cell clusters called autonomic ganglia.
-The neurons in these ganglia are called postganglionic neurons. - Answer -True
Sympathetic vs Parasympathetic nervous system - Answer -The sympathetic nervous
system prepares the body for intense physical activity and is often referred to as the
fight-or-flight response. The parasympathetic nervous system has almost the exact
opposite effect and relaxes the body and inhibits or slows many high energy functions.
Preganglionic neurotransmitters - Answer -ACh binds to nAChR, evokes fast EPSP.
Ganglionic ACh activates mAChR, causes slow EPSPs and IPSPs.
Some preganglionic terminals release NPY, VIP— trigger small EPSPs.
Postganglionic Neurotransmitters - Answer -Parasympathetic: release Ach
, -Local effect
Sympathetic: most release NE
-Far-reaching effects
Parasympathomimetic: mimic or promote muscarinic actions of ACh or inhibit actions of
NE
Sympathomimetic: mimic or promote NE actions or inhibit muscarinic actions of ACh
Anabolism - Answer -Assembly of macromolecules such as glycogen and triglycerides
from simple precursors. (energy stores replenished during and immediately after a
meal)
Catabolism - Answer -Breaking down complex macromolecules. (during fasting
conditions between meals. Stored glycogen & triglycerides are broken down to provide
glucose for cellular metabolism)
Prandial state—anabolism - Answer -Energy storage as glycogen and triglycerides
Postabsorptive state—catabolism - Answer -Breaking down complex macromolecules
for energy
Lesions of VMH (ventromedial hypothalamus) - Answer -Stimulation of feeding and
over intake and obesity
Lesions of LH (lateral hypothalamus) - Answer -Reduce food seeking and result in
anorexia, severe loss of weight
Anorexia is from _______ hypothalamic syndrome - Answer -Lateral
Overeating is from _______ hypothalamic syndrome - Answer -Ventromedial
Which part of the brain is related to leptin signaling - Answer -The hypothalamus
-The arcuate nucleus and hormones are also involved
What protein is encoded by the ob gene? - Answer -Leptin
Leptin - Answer -Released by adipocytes (fat cells), regulates body mass by acting
directly on neurons of the hypothalamus that decrease appetite and increase energy
expenditure.
Leptin Depletion... - Answer -Incites adaptive responses to fight starvation
Name three ways that the hypothalamus responds to sensory input to maintain
homeostasis - Answer -Humoral, visceromotor, & somatic motor response
Humoral response - Answer -Hypothalamic neurons respond to sensory signals by
stimulating or inhibiting the release of pituitary hormones into the bloodstream.
