Chapter 9: Degenerative Neurological Disorders

Which degenerative disorder is characterized by stooped posture, shuffling gait, resting tremor, and limited movement?

• Parkinson's disease
• Huntington's disease
• Multiple sclerosis
• Alzheimer's disease

Answer explanation

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder affecting the basal ganglia in the brain, leading to impaired movement regulation. It typically presents with a stooped posture, shuffling gait, resting tremor, and bradykinesia (slow movements). Unlike other disorders listed, which may affect motor control differently, Parkinson’s disease is specifically marked by the loss of dopamine-producing cells, causing the characteristic motor symptoms. The body needs DOPAMINE to have smooth coordinated movements.

Which degenerative disorder is characterized by involuntary movements, cognitive decline, and emotional disturbances?

• Huntington's disease
• Multiple sclerosis
• Alzheimer's disease
• Parkinson's disease

Answer explanation

Huntington's disease is a genetic neurodegenerative disorder caused by a mutation in the HTT gene. It primarily affects the basal ganglia, leading to involuntary, jerky movements known as chorea, as well as progressive cognitive decline and mood changes. Unlike other disorders listed, Huntington’s disease combines both motor and cognitive symptoms, with a distinct genetic cause, leading to symptoms that gradually worsen over time.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS3-1

Which degenerative disorder is characterized by muscle weakness, vision problems, and difficulties with coordination and balance due to damage to the central nervous system?

• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
• Parkinson's Disease
• Huntington's Disease
• Multiple Sclerosis

Answer explanation

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the myelin sheath covering nerve fibers in the central nervous system. This damage disrupts nerve signal transmission, causing symptoms such as muscle weakness, vision disturbances, numbness, and issues with balance and coordination. The damage shows up as PLAQUE on films like the MRI. Unlike the other disorders listed, MS involves autoimmune-mediated demyelination, which affects a range of bodily functions based on which nerves are impaired.

Which degenerative disorder is characterized by progressive memory loss, confusion, and difficulty with reasoning and judgment?

• Vascuclar Dementia

• Dementia with Lewy bodies

• Alzheimer's disease
• Huntington's disease

Answer explanation

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects memory and cognitive function due to the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain. Unlike the other disorders listed, Alzheimer's is most notably marked by memory impairment, confusion, and a gradual decline in reasoning and judgment, leading to progressive cognitive deterioration.

What is the primary purpose of the anterior horn cell?

• To process sensory information from the skin.
• To regulate blood pressure and heart rate.
• To facilitate communication between neurons.
• To transmit motor signals to skeletal muscles.

Answer explanation

The anterior horn cell is a type of motor neuron located in the anterior (ventral) horn of the spinal cord. Its main function is to initiate and transmit motor signals to skeletal muscles, facilitating voluntary movement. Unlike sensory neurons that send information to the brain, the anterior horn cells specifically handle outgoing motor commands that directly control muscle contraction.

What is the primary purpose of the posterior horn cell?

• To enhance motor function.
• To regulate blood pressure.
• To store long-term memories.
• To process and relay sensory information.

Answer explanation

The posterior horn cell is located in the posterior (dorsal) horn of the spinal cord and is involved in processing sensory information. It receives signals from sensory receptors in the body, such as those detecting pain, temperature, and touch, and transmits them to the central nervous system for further processing. Unlike anterior horn cells, which are involved in motor control, posterior horn cells play a crucial role in the sensory pathway.

Which term best describes a movement disorder characterized by involuntary muscle contractions?

• tremor
• dystonia
• spasm
• rigidity

Answer explanation

Dystonia is a movement disorder characterized by involuntary, sustained muscle contractions that often cause twisting or repetitive movements and abnormal postures. Unlike ataxia, which involves impaired coordination, bradykinesia, which is slowness of movement, and hypertonia, which is increased muscle tone, dystonia specifically refers to involuntary muscle contractions affecting posture and movement.

Which term best describes a movement disorder characterized by a lack of muscle coordination during voluntary movements?

• Parkinson's disease
• Tremor
• Ataxia
• Dystonia

Answer explanation

Ataxia is a movement disorder characterized by a lack of coordination and balance during voluntary movements, often resulting in unsteady gait and difficulty with tasks requiring fine motor skills. It can be caused by damage to the cerebellum or other parts of the nervous system that control coordination. Unlike dystonia, which involves involuntary muscle contractions, tremors, which are rhythmic shaking movements, and spasticity, which is characterized by increased muscle tone, ataxia specifically relates to the disruption of coordinated movement.

Which term best describes a movement disorder characterized by increased muscle tone and stiffness, often leading to exaggerated reflexes?

• Rigidity
• Dystonia
• Ataxia
• Spasticity

Answer explanation

Spasticity is a movement disorder characterized by increased muscle tone (hypertonia) and stiffness, which can result in exaggerated reflexes and difficulty with movement. It is often seen in conditions such as cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis, where there is damage to the motor pathways in the central nervous system. Unlike dystonia, which involves involuntary muscle contractions, ataxia, which is a lack of coordination, and bradykinesia, which refers to slowness of movement, spasticity specifically involves abnormal muscle tone and reflexes.

Which term best describes an involuntary, rhythmic shaking movement that can affect various parts of the body?

• twitch
• tremor
• spasm
• convulsion

Answer explanation

A tremor is an involuntary, rhythmic shaking movement that can occur in different parts of the body, such as the hands, arms, or legs. It is often associated with neurological conditions like Parkinson's disease but can also occur due to other factors such as anxiety, fatigue, or certain medications. Unlike dystonia, which involves sustained muscle contractions and abnormal postures, spasticity, characterized by increased muscle tone and stiffness, and ataxia, which refers to a lack of coordination, tremors are specifically defined by their rhythmic oscillatory movements.