Chapter 14: The Nervous System 10 Questions

Diskectomy is the surgical excision of an intervertebral disk. This procedure is commonly performed to treat conditions such as herniated or degenerative disks that are causing pain or nerve compression. During a diskectomy, the surgeon removes part or all of the damaged disk to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves and alleviate symptoms. This procedure is not related to epilepsy, stroke, or palsy, but specifically targets intervertebral disk problems.

A stroke refers to a sudden interruption of blood flow to the brain, leading to the death of brain cells. This interruption can occur either due to a blockage in the blood vessels supplying the brain (ischemic stroke) or due to a ruptured blood vessel causing bleeding in the brain (hemorrhagic stroke). Strokes can result in various symptoms depending on the area of the brain affected, such as paralysis, difficulty speaking, or loss of memory. Therefore, the term "stroke" is the most appropriate choice to describe a cerebrovascular accident.

Sciatica is the correct answer because it is a condition characterized by severe pain along the course of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body, running from the lower back down through the buttocks and into the legs. When this nerve is compressed or irritated, it can cause pain, tingling, and numbness along its pathway. This condition is commonly caused by a herniated disc or spinal stenosis. Treatment for sciatica typically involves pain management, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery.

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures of any type. Seizures are caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain, which can result in various symptoms such as convulsions, loss of consciousness, or abnormal movements. Endorphins are natural pain-relieving chemicals produced by the body, and dementia refers to a decline in cognitive function. Palsy is a general term for weakness or paralysis of a body part. Therefore, the correct answer is epilepsy.

Alzheimer's disease is a severe form of senile dementia characterized by progressive memory loss, cognitive decline, and behavioral changes. It is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects the brain, leading to the formation of plaques and tangles, which disrupt normal brain function. Unlike stroke, palsy, and epilepsy, which can cause sudden and temporary symptoms, Alzheimer's disease is a chronic condition that worsens over time. Therefore, Alzheimer's disease is the correct answer for the given question.

Dementia is the correct answer because it is a group of symptoms characterized by memory loss and other cognitive functions. It is a condition that affects the brain and causes a decline in thinking, memory, and reasoning abilities. Dementia is not a specific disease but rather a term used to describe a range of symptoms associated with a decline in cognitive abilities. It is often associated with aging and can be caused by various conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and Lewy body dementia.

Acetylcholine is a cholinergic neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in transmitting signals between nerve cells and muscles. It is involved in various physiological processes, including muscle contraction, memory, and learning. The other terms mentioned in the question, such as diskectomy, stroke, and sciatica, do not directly relate to acetylcholine or cholinergic neurotransmitters. Therefore, the correct answer is acetylcholine.

Endorphins are chemical substances in the brain that act as natural analgesics (opiates) and provide feelings of pleasure. They are released in response to pain or stress and help to reduce pain and enhance feelings of well-being. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter involved in various functions including muscle movement and memory. Stroke is a medical condition caused by interrupted blood flow to the brain, leading to brain damage. Therefore, endorphins are the correct answer as they specifically relate to the given description.

Palsy refers to a condition characterized by the loss of sensation or impairment of motor functions. It can be caused by various factors such as nerve damage, injury, or certain medical conditions. This condition can result in weakness, tremors, or paralysis in the affected area of the body. Endorphins are natural pain-relieving chemicals produced by the body, not directly related to palsy. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures, and stroke refers to a sudden interruption of blood flow to the brain, leading to brain damage or loss of function.

Epiduroscopy is a medical procedure used for back pain relief when all other conservative treatments have failed. It involves the insertion of a small camera into the epidural space to visualize and treat the source of pain. By directly accessing the affected area, epiduroscopy allows for a more targeted approach to identifying and addressing the underlying cause of back pain. This procedure can be beneficial for patients who have not responded to other treatment options and may provide relief by addressing specific issues such as nerve compression or inflammation.