What is the effect of the antibodies attacking ACh receptors in Myasthenia Gravis?
Fewer receptors are available to receive the nerve signal, resulting in weakened muscle activation
This leads to significant muscle weakness.
Symptoms can vary in severity and may fluctuate throughout the day.
What are the symptoms of Myasthenia Gravis?
Toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum
Botulism is a serious illness caused by a potent neurotoxin.
What is the cause of Botulism?
The toxin blocks the release of ACh from the motor neuron
ACh (acetylcholine) is essential for muscle contraction.
What happens in the body during Botulism?
The muscle receives no signal and cannot contract, leading to flaccid paralysis
Flaccid paralysis is characterized by weakness and reduced muscle tone.
What is the effect of Botulism on muscles?
Starts with facial muscle weakness, can progress to difficulty breathing
Symptoms can escalate quickly and require immediate medical attention.
What are the initial symptoms of Botulism?
Toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium tetani
Tetanus is often associated with wounds contaminated by soil.
What is the cause of Tetanus?
The toxin blocks inhibitory neurons in the central nervous system
Inhibitory neurons help regulate muscle contractions.
What happens in the body during Tetanus?
Without inhibition, ACh release becomes unchecked, causing constant muscle stimulation
This leads to severe muscle contractions.
What is the effect of Tetanus on muscle stimulation?
Symptoms can be severe and require urgent medical intervention.
What are the symptoms of Tetanus?
Central nervous system, leading to overstimulation at the NMJ
NMJ stands for neuromuscular junction, where nerves connect with muscles.
Where does the disruption occur in Tetanus?
The nerve (neuro-) cell body (-soma) and control center
Neurosoma is essential for the functioning of nerve cells.
What is the definition of Neurosoma?
Dark staining regions made up of rough endoplasmic reticulum and free ribosomes
Unique to neurons, which helps in identifying them easily.
What are Nissl Bodies?
The cytoplasm of the axon
Axoplasm is essential for the function and maintenance of the axon.
What is Axoplasm?
The membrane of the axon
The axolemma plays a crucial role in the transmission of electrical signals.
What does Axolemma refer to?
A mound where the axon originates, wide coming from the neurosoma and narrows down as it approaches the initial segment of the axon
The axon hillock is critical for action potential initiation.
Define Axon Hillock.
The initial narrow part of the axon coming out of the axon hillock
This segment is where action potentials are generated.
What is the Initial Segment of Axon?
They are part of the cytoskeleton made up of bundles of actin filaments
Neurofibrils provide structural support to the neuron.
What are Neurofibrils?
Extensive complex fine branches that give rise to the axon terminals
Telodendria facilitate communication with other neurons.
What are Telodendria?
A bulbous end, which forms the synapse to the next nerve
Axon terminals are crucial for neurotransmitter release.
What is an Axon Terminal?
Pair of oval-shaped structures deep into the cerebrum
The diencephalon plays a crucial role in relaying sensory information and regulating autonomic functions.
What is the Diencephalon?
Spaces formed by both of the sub-layers of the dura mater
Dural venous sinuses play a crucial role in draining blood from the brain.
What are dural venous sinuses?
A vertical fold that separates each cerebral hemisphere
It helps keep the cerebral hemispheres in place and is located in the longitudinal fissure.
What is the Falx cerebri?
Forms a horizontal partition separating the cerebrum from the cerebellum
It is located in the transverse fissure and translates to ‘tent.’
The Tentorium cerebelli serves what purpose?