DSSSB 13 August 2024
Applied Physiology
Easy
Which of the following is the hormone produced by the cells in the substantia nigra?
Appeared in: DSSSB 13 August 2024
Explanation
- The substantia nigra is a basal ganglia structure located in the midbrain that plays a critical role in reward and movement.
- It is one of the principal sites in the brain for the synthesis of the neurotransmitter dopamine.
- Dopaminergic neurons from the substantia nigra project to the striatum (a pathway known as the nigrostriatal pathway), which is essential for the initiation and control of voluntary motor movements.
- Degeneration of these specific neurons is the primary cause of the motor symptoms seen in Parkinson's disease.
Why Other Options Were Wrong
- Option B: Serotonin is not primarily produced in the substantia nigra.
- Option C: Norepinephrine is not the main neurotransmitter produced by the substantia nigra.
- Option D: Epinephrine (also known as adrenaline) is primarily a hormone and neurotransmitter produced by the adrenal medulla, not the substantia nigra.
Related Visual
Clinical Relevance
- Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Neurotransmitter Synthesis and Brain Anatomy as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
- Understanding that dopamine deficiency from substantia nigra degeneration causes Parkinson's disease is fundamental for nursing care. Nurses monitor for motor symptoms (tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia) and the effectiveness of dopamine-replacement therapies like Levodopa.
- Patient education is crucial. Nurses teach patients and families about the disease progression, medication side effects (e.g., dyskinesias from Levodopa), and strategies to manage symptoms and maintain safety.
- What if? If a patient on antipsychotic medication develops muscle stiffness and a shuffling gait, the nurse should suspect drug-induced parkinsonism. This occurs because many antipsychotics block dopamine receptors, mimicking the dopamine deficiency state of Parkinson's disease. The nurse's priority is to assess the symptoms and report them to the provider, as a change in medication may be necessary.
How to Approach the Question
- First, identify the key anatomical structure in the question stem: 'substantia nigra'.
- Second, recall the primary function and associated neurotransmitter of this brain region. The substantia nigra is famously linked to dopamine production.
- Third, evaluate the options. Dopamine is listed as an option.
- Fourth, confirm by mentally ruling out the other options. Serotonin is from the raphe nuclei, norepinephrine from the locus coeruleus, and epinephrine mainly from the adrenal medulla. This confirms dopamine as the correct answer.
Concept Tested & Keywords
- Concept Tested: Neurotransmitter Synthesis and Brain Anatomy
- Stem keywords: substantia nigra, hormone, produced
- Lead-in keywords: Which
Question ID
QPr_KAUOiiqfvPUi2uULXi
Reference Book
E6 Textbook of Biochemistry for medical StudentsDM Vasudevan Part 1 (pp 26-370 of 370) p. 308-310
E6 Kaplan Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry-2022 (pp 1-3768 of 3768) p. 3011-3013
E6 Robert Boland, Marcia L. Verduin - Kaplan and Sadock's Comprehensive Text of Psychiatry-Wolters Kluwer Health (2024) (pp 1-16525 of 16525) p. 443-445
Practise the full DSSSB 13 August 2024
Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.
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