task 2 extended response chatGPT answers

• What is the primary function of the cerebrum?

  Higher-order functions like memory and reasoning
• How does the cerebellum contribute to motor control?

  It coordinates voluntary movements and balance
• What does the hypothalamus regulate?

  Homeostasis, including temperature and hunger
• What vital functions does the medulla oblongata control?

  Heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure
• What is the role of the spinal cord?

  Communication pathway between brain and PNS
• What is a key effect of Alzheimer’s disease on the brain?

  Progressive degeneration of neurons in the cerebrum
• Which brain regions are primarily affected by Alzheimer’s disease?

  Hippocampus and cortex
• What are common symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease?

  Memory loss, confusion, and language difficulties
• What is associated with Alzheimer’s disease at the cellular level?

  Accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles
• What causes Parkinson’s disease?

  Degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra
• What are the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease?

  Tremors, muscle rigidity, and bradykinesia
• How does Parkinson’s disease affect voluntary movements?

  It disrupts neural communication with the basal ganglia
• What are embryonic stem cells (ESCs) capable of?

  Differentiating into any cell type, including neurons
• How can ESCs be used in treating Alzheimer’s disease?

  To replace lost neurons in the hippocampus
• What is a potential benefit of ESCs in Parkinson’s patients?

  They can restore function by replacing damaged neurons
• What do ESCs release that supports remaining neurons?

  Neurotrophic factors
• What ethical concerns are associated with ESCs?

  Use of embryos for stem cell research
• What are current challenges in stem cell therapy?

  Integration of new neurons and immune rejection
• What role does the cerebrum play in a coma?

  Responsible for conscious thought and perception
• How does the medulla oblongata function in a comatose state?

  Regulates vital autonomic functions
• What does the autonomic nervous system control during a coma?

  Cardiovascular and respiratory functions
• How does the sympathetic nervous system affect heart rate?

  It can increase heart rate
• What reflexive actions remain functional in a coma?

  Breathing and swallowing
• What is the significance of the brainstem in coma patients?

  It maintains vital functions if intact
• What may deep coma patients require?

  Mechanical ventilation for respiratory control
• What toxin does the blue-ringed octopus produce?

  Tetrodotoxin (TTX)
• How does tetrodotoxin affect synapses?

  Blocks voltage-gated sodium channels
• What is the result of tetrodotoxin blocking sodium channels?

  Leads to paralysis of skeletal muscles
• Why do patients remain conscious after tetrodotoxin exposure?

  It does not affect the brain
• What can patients do while affected by tetrodotoxin?

  Hear and understand rescuers
• What does the sympathetic nervous system prepare the body for?

  A rapid response to perceived threats
• What physiological changes occur due to adrenaline release?

  Increases heart rate and dilates pupils
• How does the sympathetic nervous system affect glucose availability?

  Stimulates glucose release from the liver
• What happens to digestion during the fight-or-flight response?

  It is inhibited along with non-essential functions
• What are the effects of the sympathetic nervous system on the cardiovascular, respiratory, and muscular systems during the fight-or-flight response?

  • Cardiovascular System: Increases heart rate and blood pressure
  • Respiratory System: Increases breathing rate and dilates bronchioles
  • Muscular System: Increases glucose availability and blood flow to muscles
• What is the role of hormones in the fight-or-flight response?

  • Adrenal medulla secretes adrenaline and noradrenaline
  • Adrenaline increases heart rate, blood pressure, and glucose metabolism
  • Hormones amplify the fight-or-flight response
• What initiates the thyroid hormone feedback loop?

  Low thyroid hormone levels detected by hypothalamus
• What does TRH stimulate in the thyroid hormone feedback loop?

  Release of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
• What does TSH act on in the thyroid hormone feedback loop?

  Thyroid gland to release T4 and T3
• What do T4 and T3 hormones regulate?

  Metabolism, energy production, and body temperature