Somatosensory Teachers Manual: for Somatosensory Science Facts

By Charles Pidgeon and Sehej Bindra

The book is a question and answer format which allows readers to browse the content and choose which questions that interest them and find answers. All the answers have current references to further purse an understanding of the topic under consideration. The book has a very diverse set of questions that the general public will be intereste

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dr. Charles Pidgeon Books
• Release date: Oct 4, 2021
• ISBN: 9781641339919

Charles Pidgeon

Matthew Trotter joined the Neuroscience Sensory founded by Dr. Charles Pidgeon as a Freshman at Princeton. Matthew graduated in 2021 and is currently attending Medical School. At Princeton, Mr. Trotter majored in Neuroscience. He meticulously went studied the modern literature of taste from the perspective of several scientific disciplines: anatomy, physiology, genetics, biology, etc.

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Copyright © 2022 by Charles Pidgeon, Ph.D.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

ISBN 978-1-64133-991-9 (ebook)

Library of Congress Control Number : 2021917121

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Los Angeles, CA, US, 90045

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Dedicated to our mentor, Dr. Charles Pidgeon,

for giving us the chance to fulfill our dreams,

and to our families, for supporting us throughout our journeys.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Part I: General Neuroscience

Neurons

Nerves

Sensory Receptors & Fibers

Spinal Pathways

Cortex

Interconnectedness of Sensations

Part II: Sensations

Touch & Pressure

Pain

Temperature

Proprioception & Sensorimotorics

Vibration

Part III: Cognition & Cortical Circuitry

Embodied Cognition

Pleasure

Meditation & Brain Waves

Social Behavior

Credits

Introduction

The Teacher’s Manual for Somatosensory Facts is a comprehensive book of questions that assesses topics taught in the textbook Somatosensory Facts, by Sehej Bindra and Charles Pidgeon. While reading a book is passive, answering questions is an active test of knowledge. Using these questions, teachers can thoroughly assess their students’ understanding of the somatosensory system. Additionally, students can use this book to test their own somatosensory knowledge.

The questions in this book cover a variety of topics, from fundamental knowledge about neurons to somatosensory pathways to even content about cognition and social behavior. Each section in this book corresponds to a section in Somatosensory Facts, and the questions for each section aim to evaluate all information contained in the correlating section.

These questions also have varying formats and levels of difficulty. The variation in question styles appeals to all different types of learners. Questions may appear as multiple choice, fill in the blanks, short answer questions, arranging the order of steps, as well as questions pertaining to diagrams. Additionally, while some questions directly assess students on information from the Somatosensory Facts book, others require students to integrate information from the book into real-life applications. Regardless of the difficulty or format, the answer for each question will be found below the question. These answers thoroughly explain the somatosensory concept evaluated for each answer choice of each question. Furthermore, many answers explain misconceptions about these concepts and why they are incorrect.

This question book will aid readers in understanding their ability levels and evaluating their progress. Overall, it provides a deeper understanding of Somatosensory Facts.

Part I

General Neuroscience

Neurons

Question 1: Fill in the blanks using the word bank below. Some answers may not be used.

A(n) __________ scan works by injecting a radioactive form of glucose, into a vein to display metabolic activity of a particular location of the body. Meanwhile, a(n) __________ scan creates cross-sectional x-ray images of the brain, which are then digitally stacked to reveal a 3D image, which can be used to detect tumors. Thirdly, a(n) __________ attaches electrodes to the head which detects brain waves, and uses electrodes to produce a visual graph of a wave. Finally, a(n) __________ scan works by forcing protons to line up in a radiofrequency field and then removing it. Researchers can look at the time it takes for protons to realign to their normal magnetic field as well as the amount of energy released to figure out differences between tissues.

Answer: A(n) positron emission tomography (PET) scan works by injecting a radioactive form of glucose, into a vein to display metabolic activity of a particular location of the body. Meanwhile, a(n) computer tomography (CT) scan creates cross-sectional x0ray images of the brain, which are then digitally stacked to reveal a 3D image, which can be used to detect tumors. Thirdly, a(n) electroencephalography (EEG) attaches electrodes to the head which detects brain waves, and uses electrodes to produce a visual graph of a wave. Finally, a(n) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan works by forcing protons to line up in a radiofrequency field and then removing it. Researchers can look at the time it takes for protons to realign to their normal magnetic field as well as the amount of energy released to figure out differences between tissues.

Question 2: The following statements describe the process of synaptic transmission. Arrange the statements in order.

The SNARE complex of the presynaptic cell guides the chemical-filled vesicles towards the membrane, releasing the neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft.

The chemicals in the synaptic cleft flow back into the presynaptic cell and remaining neurotransmitters are destroyed by glial cells.

The dendrites of the receiving cell interpret the oncoming neurotransmitters from the presynaptic cell as an inhibitory or excitatory.

The postsynaptic cell either hyperpolarizes or depolarizes as Na+ flows in or out.

Place your answer here: ________________________________

Correct order: C, D, A, B

Explanation: The incoming neurotransmitters from the presynaptic cell will either be inhibitory or excitatory. The dendrites from the postsynaptic cell interpret this in order to hyperpolarize or depolarize with the fluctuation of Na+ ions flowing through the channels located on the membrane. Inside the presynaptic cell are package-like vesicles containing neurotransmitters. The SNARE complex is a system of proteins that guide these vesicles to fuse with the membrane while simultaneously releasing the neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft. As the neurotransmitters travel towards the receptors located on the membrane of the postsynaptic cell, other ions flow in and out of the neurons and glial cells recycle remaining neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft.

Question 3: Which of the following are unique characteristics of a pseudounipolar neuron? Select one answer.

The lack of an axon hillock is compensated by a higher density of voltage-gated calcium channels.

The lack of dendrites compensated for its two axons; one receives input while the other sends output.

The higher density of voltage-gated sodium channels which leads to a highly sensitive T-Junction.

A pseudounipolar neuron must fire off an action-potential in response to every stimulus due to its lack of dendrites and a higher concentration of voltage-gated ion channels.

Answer: D

A: Incorrect - Calcium channels do not appear in high density in pseudounipolar neurons.

B: Incorrect - A pseudounipolar neuron only has one axon.

C: Correct - The T-Junction is particularly sensitive to action-potentials due to the high density of voltage-gated sodium channels.

D: Incorrect - A pseudounipolar neuron is hyper-sensitive to voltage charges, but that does not mean it has to fire off an action-potential in response to every single stimulus.

Question 4: The corpus callosum is a region located between the left and right hemispheres of the brain. It consists of nerve fibers, which are bundles of axons that relay neural impulses between both hemispheres. Based on this information, would you say that the corpus callosum is a region of white matter or gray matter? Explain.

__________________________________________________

__________________________________________________

__________________________________________________

__________________________________________________

Example answer: The corpus callosum is a region of white matter. White matter comprises the axons of neurons, relaying neural impulses to different parts of the brain, which is the structure and function of the corpus callosum.

Question 5: Hypersomnia, also known as excessive tiredness, can be caused by high levels of inhibitory neurotransmitters (such as GABA) or low levels of excitatory neurotransmitters in the brain, such as the neurotransmitters from Pyramidal Neurons. Which of the following are probable causes of hypersomnia? Select all that apply.

The demyelination (damage of myelin) of pyramidal neurons

Increased connections between GABA-ergic neurons (neurons that produce GABA)

The demyelination of GABA-ergic neurons

Pyramidal Neurons reuptake neurotransmitters too early

All of the above

Answers: A, B, D

A: Correct - Pyramidal neurons are excitatory neurons, meaning they predominantly produce excitatory neurotransmitters. However, if the myelin in a pyramidal neuron becomes damaged, this decreases the speed of the action potential created by the pyramidal neuron, which could potentially cause the signal to die out. Therefore, excitatory neurotransmitters will not be produced by the pyramidal neuron. This causes low levels of excitatory neurotransmitters in the brain, which is a cause of hypersomnia.

B: Correct - GABA-ergic neurons are inhibitory neurons, meaning they produce inhibitory neurotransmitters, specifically GABA. If GABA-ergic neurons have increased connections with each other and other neurons, this means they will be continually transmitting GABA to more and more neurons. This causes high levels of inhibitory neurotransmitters in the brain, which is a cause of hypersomnia.

C: Incorrect - GABA-ergic Neurons are inhibitory neurons, meaning they produce inhibitory neurotransmitters, specifically GABA. If the myelin in a GABA-ergic neuron becomes damaged, this decreases the speed of the action potential created by the neuron, which could cause its signal to die out. Therefore, inhibitory neurotransmitters will not be produced by the GABA-ergic neuron, causing a shortage of inhibitory neurotransmitters, which is not