Which of the following physiologic principles would be considered a function of the somatic nervous system?
the patella reflex "knee jerk" activated by tapping the patella tendon
abdominal viscera the beginning of depolarization in the cardiac conduction of impulses
the act of typing a report using a computer keyboard
withdrawing the hand after touching a hot surface
The Correct Answer is C
A) The patella reflex ("knee jerk") activated by tapping the patella tendon: The patellar reflex is a monosynaptic spinal reflex that involves the somatic nervous system but is a reflex action rather than a voluntary motor function. The somatic nervous system governs voluntary movements, but reflex actions like the patellar reflex are involuntary responses that do not require higher brain input, though they involve somatic motor pathways.
B) Abdominal viscera the beginning of depolarization in the cardiac conduction of impulses: This process is primarily under the control of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), not the somatic nervous system. The ANS regulates involuntary processes like heart rate and digestion, while the somatic nervous system controls voluntary movements and somatic sensation.
C) The act of typing a report using a computer keyboard: Typing is a voluntary motor activity, controlled by the somatic nervous system. The somatic system is responsible for conscious, voluntary actions such as moving muscles in the arms, hands, and fingers to type. This is the most accurate example of a somatic function.
D) Withdrawing the hand after touching a hot surface: This is a reflex action known as the "withdrawal reflex," which involves the somatic nervous system. However, it is an involuntary action triggered by a sensory stimulus. While it does involve the somatic system, it is not a voluntary action like typing, and reflexes are considered part of the automatic response mechanisms.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Tacrine (Cognex): Tacrine is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease to improve cognitive function. It is not typically used for Parkinson's disease, which is characterized by motor symptoms such as tremors, shuffling gait, and rigidity.
B) Rivastigmine (Exelon): Rivastigmine is another acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, similar to Tacrine, primarily used to treat Alzheimer's disease or dementia-related symptoms. While it helps with cognitive symptoms, it is not effective in treating the motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
C) Carbidopa-levodopa (Sinemet): This is the correct answer. Carbidopa-levodopa (Sinemet) is the gold standard treatment for Parkinson's disease. Levodopa is a precursor to dopamine, which helps address the dopamine deficiency in the brain that causes symptoms like tremors, shuffling gait, and lack of facial expression (masked facies). Carbidopa is added to prevent levodopa from being broken down before it reaches the brain, enhancing its effectiveness.
D) Donepezil (Aricept): Donepezil is also an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor used primarily in Alzheimer's disease. Like Tacrine and Rivastigmine, it works to improve cognitive function but does not treat the motor symptoms seen in Parkinson's disease. It would not be appropriate for managing the patient's Parkinsonian symptoms.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Irritable bowel disease: Benztropine is an anticholinergic medication that can reduce gastrointestinal motility, which might exacerbate constipation. However, irritable bowel disease (IBD) is not a contraindication for using benztropine. The drug is more likely to cause concern in conditions where smooth muscle relaxation could worsen symptoms of constipation, but it is not typically withheld due to IBD alone.
B) Glaucoma: Glaucoma, particularly narrow-angle glaucoma, is a contraindication for benztropine use. Benztropine, as an anticholinergic agent, can cause pupil dilation (mydriasis), which can increase intraocular pressure and worsen glaucoma. This is a critical concern for patients with glaucoma, and the healthcare provider should be notified before administering the drug.
C) Asthma: While benztropine can have mild anticholinergic effects that may cause dryness of the respiratory tract, it is not a contraindication for asthma. Beta-agonist inhalers are more commonly prescribed to manage bronchospasm, but the use of benztropine in asthma is not typically harmful unless the patient is experiencing severe respiratory distress. Asthma would not be a primary concern when administering this medication.
D) Hypertension: Benztropine does not directly affect blood pressure in a way that would be a concern for someone with hypertension. While it may cause some mild autonomic changes (like dry mouth or dizziness), hypertension is not a contraindication for the medication. Therefore, there is no specific need to notify the healthcare provider due to a history of hypertension.
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