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) Monoamine oxidase:
Monoamine oxidase (MAO) is an enzyme, not a neurotransmitter. It is responsible for breaking down certain neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine, in the brain and other parts of the body. While it plays a crucial role in regulating neurotransmitter levels, it is not itself a neurotransmitter.
B) Cholinesterase:
Cholinesterase is also an enzyme, not a neurotransmitter. It breaks down acetylcholine (ACh) at synaptic junctions to terminate its action after it has transmitted a nerve impulse. This enzyme is important for the proper functioning of cholinergic synapses but does not function as a neurotransmitter.
C) Acetylcholine (ACh):
Acetylcholine (ACh) is a neurotransmitter. It is released by nerve cells at cholinergic synapses and plays a key role in both the peripheral and central nervous systems. ACh is involved in transmitting nerve impulses to muscles (muscle contraction) and is also important in cognitive functions like memory and learning in the brain.
D) Calcium:
Calcium is a vital ion involved in many cellular processes, including muscle contraction and neurotransmitter release. However, it is not a neurotransmitter. It plays a role in the function of neurotransmitters but does not act as one itself.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Inhibit cyclooxygenase that is necessary for prostaglandin synthesis:
NSAIDs primarily work by inhibiting the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX), which plays a crucial role in the conversion of arachidonic acid into prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are chemicals that promote inflammation, pain, and fever in response to injury or infection. By blocking COX, NSAIDs reduce the production of prostaglandins, thereby decreasing inflammation and alleviating pain and fever.
B) Exert direct actions to cause relaxation of smooth muscle:
NSAIDs do not directly cause the relaxation of smooth muscle. While some other classes of drugs (e.g., bronchodilators) target smooth muscle relaxation, NSAIDs primarily work by reducing the production of prostaglandins, which in turn alleviates inflammation and pain. They do not have a significant effect on smooth muscle tone itself.
C) Suppress prostaglandin activity by blocking tissue receptor sites:
NSAIDs do not block the receptor sites for prostaglandins; rather, they inhibit the cyclooxygenase enzyme, which is responsible for the synthesis of prostaglandins. This reduces the overall production of prostaglandins, rather than blocking their activity at the receptor level.
D) Interfere with neuronal pathways associated with prostaglandin action:
While NSAIDs reduce prostaglandin production, they do not directly interfere with neuronal pathways associated with prostaglandin action. They act primarily by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase enzyme to reduce the synthesis of prostaglandins at the site of injury or inflammation, rather than by modulating specific neural pathways.
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