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ANCC PMHNP Exam Prep 2023 Complete Solutions Verified 1.mesocortical pathway: executive function: attention, focus, depression
2.nigrostriatal pathway: from substantia nigra (brainstem) to striatum
(muscles): Parkinson's
3.mesolimbic pathway: projects to nucleus accumbens (part of limbic
system). Pleasure, reward, positive symptoms of schizophrenia:
Addiction, gambling
4.Tuberoinfundibular pathway: regulation of prolactin (acts on pituitary).
Hyper- sexuality in mania
5.Dopamine: produced in substania nigra and VTA. D2 & D4 receptors
most important. Elevated in the mesolimbic pathway associated with pleasure and psy- chosis. Antispychotics block dopamine. travels through mesocoritcal, mesolimbic, nigrostriatal, and tuberinfundibular pathways 1 / 2
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6.Serotonin: 5-HT. produced in raphe nucleus. emotion, impulses,
dreams. 5HT2A receptors = atypical antipsychotics.
7.Norepinephrine: produced in locus coeruleus. arousal and vigilance
8.GABA: inhibitory. produces calm in conjunction with benzodiazepines.
9.ACTH: motor control, learning, memory, sleep, and dreams. Helps
with balance. Decrease in Alzheimer's disease
10.hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA): CRH, ACTH, then
cortisol. Worsens with stress and depression
11.hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid (HPT): TRH, TSH, T4. Hypothyroid
causes depression, weight gain, slow metabolism. Hyperthyroid is opposite.
12.hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG): GnRH, FSH, LH.
Malfunctions cause infertility problems.
13.gray matter: neurons are found
14.frontal lobe: executive function, voluntary movement, speech
(Broca's area)
15.Temporal lobe: memory, cognition, speech, emotions (aka limbic
area)
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