NSCI 0817 Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Substantia Nigra, Neurodegeneration, Basal Ganglia
8 May 2016
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Document Summary
Parkinson"s disease is a degenerative disorder of the cns that results in impairments in voluntary motor function. As the disease progresses, involuntary motor functioning also becomes, which can lead to death. The disease is caused by a loss of dopamine producing neurons in the substantia nigra. The amount can differ based on innervations but these neurons are always firing, some neurons activate movement while others restrict movement. The substantia nigra is a component of the basal ganglia, which is very important for motor function. Currently scientists are not sure why dopamine neurons are targeted and dying. Parkinsons is not hereditary but it is a progressive disease meaning that once it starts it cannot be stopped, the neurons will continue to die. Resting tremor- the shaking of limbs while they are sitting down and relaxing that disappears during sleep (suggesting a conscious component) and while they are consciously initiating movement. Akinesia- loss of movement, specifically voluntary movement.
