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Various questions on the CNS

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1. Describe the clinical significance of the blood-brain barrier.

2. Describe the autonomic centers found in the medulla and pons and how they regulate autonomic function.

3. Compare and contrast the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) and the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS).

4. How do beta- blockers perform their pharmacological functions?

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Solution Summary

In this solution, I discuss the blood-brain barrier, the autonomic centers found in the pons and medulla, the Autonomic and Sympathetic nervous systems, and explain how beta-blockers function in the body.

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I hope the discussion of the questions I've completed below helps you in your studies.

The blood-brain barrier is a physiological/physical barrier found in the capillaries of the brain. Normal capillary endothelial cells have gaps between adjacent cells and/or fenestrations that readily allow materials to pass from blood to tissues. In the case of the brain, the cells are tightly bound to one another by tight junctions, greatly decreasing the movement of materials. In addition to this, there are enzymes found in these cells that quickly breakdown many neurologically functioning molecules. It main functions are to protect the brain from foreign substances and hormones & neurotransmitters from elsewhere in the body and assists in the maintaining of conditions within the brain. In general, the blood-brain barrier blocks or slows down large molecules, hydrophilic molecules, and highly charged molecules.

The clinical significance of the BBB is that to have an effect on a portion ...

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