Neurobiology of sleep Flashcards by Divya Thomas

What is sleep according to the early 20th century?
1. a consequence of activity in arousal systems of the brain
2. a consequence of inactivity in arousal systems of the brain
3. a behavior that originates in the brain
4. none of the above

a consequence of inactivity in arousal systems of the brain

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

What caused sleep in animals according to experimental electrical stimulation to the thalamus?
1. inactivity in arousal systme of the brain
2. activity in arousal systems of the brain
3. stimulation to the thalamus
4. none of the above

stimulation to the thalamus

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

Where does sleep originate?

In the brain

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

What are the three primary brain regions involved in sleep?
1. Cerebellum, hypothalamus, brainstem
2. basal forebrain, hypothalamus, brainstem
3. cerebellum basal forebrain, hypothalamus

Basal forbrain, hypothalamus, brainstem

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

True or false

Early 20th century research suggested that the brain had specific, separate “sleep” and “wake” centers.

True

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

True or False

Later research showed that sleep-wake regulation is actually much more complicated.

True

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

Matching: Match each brain region with its function

Basal forebrain
hypothalamus
brainstem

inhibits activity in areas of the brainstem that maintain wakefulness
** regulates circadian rhythms and controls the timing of sleep
***promotes wakefulness by sending arousal signals to the cerebral cortex

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

Where is the hypothalamus located?
above or below the thalamus

Below

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

Which neurotransmitter is produced by the basal forebrain?

Dopamine, serotonin, acetylocholine, norepinephrine

ACh

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

Which of the following is NOT a structure in the brainstem?

medulla oblongata
pons
midbrain
cerebellum

Cerebellum

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

True or False

The hypothalamus is part of the limibic system

True

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

A part of the limibic system that plays a role in many essential functions of the body

hypothalamus
basal forebrain
Brain strem
Reticular formation

hypothalamus

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

an area at the front and bottom of the brain that produces ACh and promotes wakefulness

hypothalamus
basal forebrain
Brain strem
Reticular formation

Basal Forebrain

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

Consists of three structures and regulates consciousnessm respirationm heart ratem arousal and wake-sleep cycle

hypothalamus
basal forebrain
Brain strem
Reticular formation

Brainstem

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

A set of connected nuclei that extend from the brainstem to the forebrain and serves as a relay station for electrocortical impulses

hypothalamus
basal forebrain
Brain strem
Reticular formation

reticular formation

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

Which of the following is in the basal forebrain?

Nucleus accumbens
hippocampus
amygdala
hypothalamus

Nucleus accumbens

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

Which substance works on ACh pathways in the brain?

Caffeine
Alcohol
Nicotine
Sugar

Nicotine

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

Which of the following is NOT a function of the brainstem?

Regulating consciousness
regulating respiration
regulating heart rate
regulating digestion

Regulating digestion

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

Communicates with the hypothalamus to control transitions between wake and sleep

hypothalamus
basal forebrain
brainstem
reticular formation

Brain stem

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

Produces ACh which affects learning and memory

hypothalamus
basal forebrain
brainstem
reticular formation

Basal forebrain

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

Transmits electrocortical impulses via ascending and descending pathways

hypothalamus
basal forebrain
brainstem
reticular formation

Reticular formation

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

Regulates endocrine glands including the pineal gland

hypothalamus
basal forebrain
brainstem
reticular formation

hypothalamus

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

Which gland is regulated by the hypothalamus and releases melatonin?

pituitary gland
pineal gland
thyroid gland
adrenal gland

pineal gland

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

which of the following is not a structure in the reticular formation?

medulla oblongata
pons
midbrain
cerebellum

cerebellun

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

# True or False Melatonin is released into the bloodstream and reached every organ in the body except the brain

False

an area at the front and bottom of the brain that included several structures such as nucleus accumbens and Broca's area ## Footnote hypothalamus basal forebrain brainstem reticular formation

basal forebrain

a set of connected nuclei that extend from the brainstem to the forebrain ## Footnote hypothalamus basal forebrain brainstem reticular formation

Reticular formation

regulates consciousness, respiration, heart rate, arousal, wake-sleep cycle; neurological signaling to muscle groups ## Footnote hypothalamus basal forebrain brainstem reticular formation

brain stem

Located below the thalamus and is part of the limbic system ## Footnote hypothalamus basal forebrain brainstem reticular formation

hypothalamus

Which of the following is a function of the hypothalamus? ## Footnote Regulating endocrine glands Regulating digestion Regulating respiration Regulating heart rate

Regulating endocrine glands

Which of the following is NOT a function of acetylcholine in the brain? ## Footnote Promoting wakefulness Affecting learning and memory Affecting the ability of brain cells to transmit information Promoting hunger

Promoting hunger

Produces acetylcholine, which affects learning and memory ## Footnote Hypothalamus Basal forebrain Brainstem

Basal forebrain

Serves as a communication highway between the brain and body ## Footnote Hypothalamus Basal forebrain Brainstem

Brainstem

Plays a part in many essential functions of the body ## Footnote Hypothalamus Basal forebrain Brainstem

Hypothalamus

What is the role of the neurons of the Ascending Arousal System (AAS)? ## Footnote a) Regulating digestion b) Regulating wakefulness and sleep-wake transitions c) Regulating body temperature d) Regulating heart rate

b) Regulating wakefulness and sleep-wake transitions

The AAS begins in the ________ part of the brainstem and sends excitatory projections up through the cerebral cortex.

lowest

# Match the neurotransmitter with its function: Acetylcholine (ACh) ## Footnote 1) Responds to stress; fight or flight 2) Modulator of arousal, memory 3) Regulates mood, impulsivity, anxiety 4) Involved in reward and addiction

Modulator of arousal, memory

Serotonin (5HT) ## Footnote 1) Responds to stress; fight or flight 2) Modulator of arousal, memory 3) Regulates mood, impulsivity, anxiety 4) Involved in reward and addiction

Regulates mood, impulsivity, anxiety

Dopamine (DA) ## Footnote 1) Responds to stress; fight or flight 2) Modulator of arousal, memory 3) Regulates mood, impulsivity, anxiety 4) Involved in reward and addiction

Involved in reward and addiction

Norepinephrine (NE) ## Footnote 1) Responds to stress; fight or flight 2) Modulator of arousal, memory 3) Regulates mood, impulsivity, anxiety 4) Involved in reward and addiction

Responds to stress; fight or flight

How many main AAR pathways are there?

The Ventral route is a ________ path that runs through the hypothalamus and forebrain.

direct

# Match the pathway with its description Ventral route ## Footnote 1) Indirect path that runs through the thalamus 2) Direct path that runs through the hypothalamus and forebrain

Direct path that runs through the hypothalamus and forebrain

Dorsal route ## Footnote 1) Indirect path that runs through the thalamus 2) Direct path that runs through the hypothalamus and forebrain

Indirect path that runs through the thalamus

Which AAS pathway is active only during wakefulness? ## Footnote a) Ventral route b) Dorsal route c) Both d) Neither

Ventral route

The Dorsal Path controls ________ and movement.

muscles

# Match the neurotransmitter with its pathway: Dopamine (DA) ## Footnote 1) Dorsal 2) Ventral 3) Both

Ventral

Norepinephrine ## Footnote 1) Dorsal 2) Ventral 3) Both

Ventral

Histamine ## Footnote 1) Dorsal 2) Ventral 3) Both

Ventral

Which neurotransmitter is involved in reward and addiction? ## Footnote a) Acetylcholine (ACh) b) Serotonin (5HT) c) Dopamine (DA) d) Norepinephrine (NE)

Dopamine

Orexin is active only during ________ and stimulates wakefulness centers of the brain.

wake

Which neurotransmitter responds to stress and is involved in the fight or flight response? ## Footnote a) Acetylcholine (ACh) b) Serotonin (5HT) c) Dopamine (DA) d) Norepinephrine (NE)

Norepinephrine

The Ventral Path runs to the cortex more directly, through the ________ and basal forebrain

hypothalamus

# Match the neurotransmitter with its function: Histamine ## Footnote 1) Regulates mood, impulsivity, anxiety 2) Widespread excitatory effects throughout the brain 3) Stimulates wakefulness centers of the brain

Widespread excitatory effects throughout the brain

Orexin ## Footnote 1) Regulates mood, impulsivity, anxiety 2) Widespread excitatory effects throughout the brain 3) Stimulates wakefulness centers of the brain

Stimulates wakefulness centers of the brain

Serotonin (5HT) ## Footnote 1) Regulates mood, impulsivity, anxiety 2) Widespread excitatory effects throughout the brain 3) Stimulates wakefulness centers of the brain

Regulates mood, impulsivity, anxiety

The dorsal path is active during wake and ______ sleep

REM

Acetylcholine ## Footnote 1) Involved in reward and addiction 2) Modulator of arousal, memory 3) Regulates mood, impulsivity, anxiety

Modulator of arousal, memory

Serotonin (5HT) ## Footnote 1) Involved in reward and addiction 2) Modulator of arousal, memory 3) Regulates mood, impulsivity, anxiety

Regulates mood, impulsivity, anxiety

Dopamine ## Footnote 1) Involved in reward and addiction 2) Modulator of arousal, memory 3) Regulates mood, impulsivity, anxiety

Involved in reward and addiction

The AAS receives inputs from all the major ______ systems

sensory

What is responsible for the sleep-wake transition? ## Footnote a) The function of a few small areas of the brain b) The function of the entire brain c) The function of the heart

The function of a few small areas of the brain

# True or False: Transitions between sleep and wakefulness occur relatively quickly, in just seconds.

True

The ability to remain in a stable period of sleep or wakefulness is a result of ____________ inhibition

mutual

# Match the following terms with their definitions: Sleep-wake transition ## Footnote 1) The function of a few small areas of the brain 2) Only sleep or wake can be active at any given time

The function of a few small areas of the brain

Mutual inhibition ## Footnote 1) The function of a few small areas of the brain 2) Only sleep or wake can be active at any given time

Only sleep or wake can be active at any given time

# True or False Both sleep and wake can be active at the same time.

False

What is the function of specific areas within the hypothalamus?

To initiate and maintain sleep

What happens when neurons in one area of the hypothalamus become more active?

Inhibitory, sleep-promoting transmitters are released and deactivate the other area.

# True or False: Only one part of the hypothalamus can be active at a time.

True

What is the function of the sleep flip-flop switch in the hypothalamus?

To allow us to easily transition from wake to sleep and vice versa

When is the “sleep off” side of the hypothalamus activated?

When neurons in the posterolateral hypothalamus are turned on.

When is the “sleep on” side of the hypothalamus activated?

When neurons in the anterior hypothalamus are turned on.

The sleep flip-flop switch is located in the _______.

hypothalamus

Posterolateral hypothalamus ## Footnote Sleep off or on

Sleep off

Anterior hypothalamus ## Footnote Sleep on or off

Sleep on

Which of the following is NOT a function of specific areas within the hypothalamus? ## Footnote a) Initiate sleep b) Maintain sleep c) Promote hunger

promote hunger

# True or False: The sleep flip-flop switch allows us to easily transition from hunger to thirst.

False

What happens to neurons in the ventrolateral preoptic (VLPO) area of the anterior hypothalamus when we have been awake for a long time? ## Footnote a. They become less active b. They become more active c. They shut down completely d. They release excitatory neurotransmitters

They become more active

# True or False Activity of VLPO neurons shuts down the activity of the AAS via release of inhibitory neurotransmitters

True

VLPO neurons are necessary for maintaining _____________

sleep

# Match the following terms with their definitions: VLPO area ## Footnote 1) Chemicals released by neurons that shut down activity 2) Ventrolateral preoptic area of the anterior hypothalamus 3) Ascending arousal system

Ventrolateral preoptic area of the anterior hypothalamus

AAS ## Footnote 1) Chemicals released by neurons that shut down activity 2) Ventrolateral preoptic area of the anterior hypothalamus 3) Ascending arousal system

Ascending arousal system

Inhibitory neurotransmitters ## Footnote 1) Chemicals released by neurons that shut down activity 2) Ventrolateral preoptic area of the anterior hypothalamus 3) Ascending arousal system

Chemicals released by neurons that shut down activity

# True or False The longer we have been awake, the less active VLPO neurons become.

False

# True or False Older people report more difficulty in maintaining sleep and increased awakenings.

True

Which of the following is less common among older people? ## Footnote a. Difficulty maintaining sleep b. Increased awakenings c. Problems falling asleep d. Loss of VLPO neurons

Problems falling asleep

Changes in sleep quality among older people may be a consequence of loss of ________ neurons.

VLPO

# Match the following Sleep quality ## Footnote 1) The ability to fall and stay asleep without disruptions 2) The process of growing older 3) Neurons in the ventrolateral preoptic area of the anterior hypothalamus

The ability to fall and stay asleep without disruptions

Aging ## Footnote 1) The ability to fall and stay asleep without disruptions 2) The process of growing older 3) Neurons in the ventrolateral preoptic area of the anterior hypothalamus

the process of growing older

VLPO Neurons ## Footnote 1) The ability to fall and stay asleep without disruptions 2) The process of growing older 3) Neurons in the ventrolateral preoptic area of the anterior hypothalamus

Neurons in the ventrolateral preoptic area of the anterior hypothalamus

# True or False Problems falling asleep are more common amoung older people

False

Which neurotransmitter is the most widespread inhibitory neurotransmitter and regulates sleep and functions such as balance, coordination, and memory? ## Footnote A) Serotonin B) Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) C) Dopamine D) Acetylcholine

Gamma-amnio-butyric acid

Galanin is distributed throughout the brain and involved in functions beyond sleep, including: ## Footnote A) Digestion B) Sight C) Learning and memory D) Hearing

Learning and memory

Galanin neurons are substantially diminished among which populations that suffer from sleep disruption? ## Footnote A) Teenagers B) Adults C) The elderly and those with Alzheimer's disease D) Athletes

The elderly and those with Alzheimer's disease

# True or False: Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an excitatory neurotransmitter.

False

Galanin is involved in functions beyond sleep, including ____________ and memory

Learnin

What functions does GABA regulate? ## Footnote a) Vision and hearing b) Taste and smell c) Balance, coordination, memory, and sleep d) Muscle movement and heartbeat

Balance, coordination, memory, and sleep

True or False: Galanin is only involved in sleep regulation.

False. Galanin is involved in functions beyond sleep, including learning and memory

How are galanin neurons related to sleep disruption? ## Footnote a) They have no relationship to sleep disruption b) They cause sleep disruption in young adults c) They are only related to sleep disruption in pregnant women d) They are related to sleep disruption in the elderly and those with Alzheimer's disease

They are related to sleep disruption in the elderly and those with Alzheimer's disease

Which area of the hypothalamus becomes more active the longer we are awake? ## Footnote A) Ventrolateral preoptic area (VLPO) B) Median preoptic (MNPO) area C) Lateral hypothalamus D) Suprachiasmatic nucleus

Median preoptic (MNPO) area

What is the function of VLPO neurons? ## Footnote A) They help initiate sleep. B) They become more active the longer we are awake. C) They shut down the AAS via inhibitory neurotransmitters. D) They are necessary for maintaining sleep.

They shut down the AAS via inhibitory neurotransmitters.

Is there any evidence that lesions of the MNPO area impair sleep?

No | Unlike VLPO there is no evidence that lesions of the MNPO area impair sl

What is the role of MNPO neurons in sleep regulation? ## Footnote A) They help initiate sleep. B) They become more active the longer we are awake. C) They shut down the AAS via inhibitory neurotransmitters. D) They are necessary for maintaining sleep.

They help initiate sleep

Which type of neurons are necessary for maintaining sleep? ## Footnote A) MNPO neurons B) VLPO neurons C) Suprachiasmatic nucleus neurons D) Lateral hypothalamus neurons

VLPO neurons

What is the main function of MNPO neurons? ## Footnote a) To initiate sleep b) To maintain sleep c) To regulate circadian rhythms d) To promote wakefulness

To initiate sleep

What do VLPO neurons do to the AAS? ## Footnote a) They activate it b) They shut it down c) They modify its activity d) They have no effect on it

They shut it down

What effect does Adenosine have on Ach release in the basal forebrain? ## Footnote A) It stimulates Ach release B) It inhibits Ach release C) It has no effect on Ach release

It inhibits Ach release

# True or False: Adenosine accumulates in the bloodstream during wake and increases sleep drive.

True

Adenosine helps regulate which stage of sleep? ## Footnote A) REM sleep B) Stage 1 sleep C) Stage 2 sleep D) Deep sleep

Deep sleep

How does the brain's rate of adenosine metabolism affect deep sleep? ## Footnote A) It has no effect on deep sleep B) It increases the duration of deep sleep C) It decreases the intensity of deep sleep D) It affects both the intensity and duration of deep sleep

It affects both the intensity and duration of deep sleep

# True or False Adenosine metabolism has no impact on vulnerability to the effects of sleep deprivation.

False

Adenosine is a: ## Footnote a) Excitatory transmitter b) Inhibitory transmitter c) Neuromodulator

Inhibitory transmitter

# True or False Adenosine accumulates in the bloodstream during wakefulness and increases sleep drive.

True

Adenosine regulates which stage of sleep? ## Footnote a) REM sleep b) NREM sleep c) Both REM and NREM sleep

Both REM and NREM sleep

# True or False The brain's rate of adenosine metabolism has no effect on the intensity and duration of deep sleep.

False

Adenosine metabolism plays a role in determining your vulnerability to the effects of: ## Footnote a) Stress b) Exercise c) Sleep deprivation

Sleep deprivation

What is the primary function of Adenosine as a neurotransmitter? | a. Stimulating Ach release in the basal forebrain b. Inhibiting Ach rele

inhibiting Ach release in the basal forebrain

# True or False Adenosine accumulates in the bloodstream during wake and increases sleep drive.

True

How does the brain's rate of adenosine metabolism impact sleep? ## Footnote a. It has no impact on sleep b. It affects the intensity and duration of deep sleep c. It only affects REM sleep d. None of the above

it affects the intensity and duration of deep sleep

Adenosine metabolism helps determine what aspect of sleep? ## Footnote a. Dreams b. Sleep quality c. Sleep quantity d. All of the above

sleep quality

Caffeine acts as an __________-receptor antagonist

adenosine

What is the name for the neuron that releases neurotransmitters at a synapse? ## Footnote a) Presynaptic neuron b) Postsynaptic neuron c) Interneuron

presynaptic neuron

What is the mechanism by which caffeine exerts its effects on adenosine receptors? ## Footnote a) It activates adenosine receptors, leading to increased adenosine activity b) It blocks adenosine receptors, leading to decreased adenosine activity c) It has no effect on adenosine receptors

It blocks adenosine receptors, leading to decreased adenosine activity

# True or False: A synapse is the junction where two neurons meet and exchange neurotransmitters.

True

What is the primary mechanism through which caffeinated beverages stimulate the brain? ## Footnote a) By increasing blood flow to the brain b) By directly stimulating neurons in the brain c) By acting on adenosine receptors

By acting on adenosine receptors

Caffeine acts as an adenosine- receptor ___________.

antagonist

# True or False Adenosine is a neurotransmitter that promotes wakefulness and alertness.

False

What is the primary way that caffeine acts as a stimulant? ## Footnote a) By mimicking the effects of adenosine b) By increasing the production of dopamine c) By blocking the absorption of adenosine d) By promoting the release of acetylcholine

By blocking the absorption of adenosine

# True or False: A synapse is the site where two neurons come into contact and the presynaptic neuron releases a hormone that binds to receptors on the postsynaptic cell.

False

What is the primary source of the stimulant effect of caffeinated beverages? ## Footnote a) The presence of caffeine molecules b) The way caffeine interacts with serotonin receptors c) The way caffeine acts on adenosine receptors d) The presence of sugar and other sweeteners

The way caffeine acts on adenosine receptors

Which of the following is true about Nicotine? A) It is a depressant B) It is a hallucinogen C) It is a stimulant D) It is an opioid

Nicotine works via a different mechanism than other stimulants. How does it work? A) It increases serotonin release B) It increases norepinephrine release C) It increases dopamine release D) It increases GABA release

Which of the following is true about the effects of Nicotine on the body? A) It slows down heart rate B) It reduces blood pressure C) It increases heart rate D) It has no effect on heart rate

What is the primary reason for the reinforcing effects of Nicotine? A) It activates the reward pathways in the brain B) It decreases dopamine release C) It increases serotonin release D) It decreases norepinephrine release

Nicotine is most commonly found in which of the following? A) Marijuana B) Alcohol C) Cigarettes D) Cocaine

Neurobiology of sleep Flashcards

(136 cards)