Abiesha Smith Neuroanatomy Thursday, March 9th, 2023
HOMEWORK SIX
MIDBRAIN
IMAGE:
QUESTION:
1. WHICH ARE THE SIMILARITIES AND DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE TWO
IMAGES ABOVE?
The similarities and differences of the above transverse sections of the
midbrain include:
i. The darkening of the substantia nigra in Image B (right) when
compared to Image A (left) which can be indicative of a decrease and
loss in neuronal connections in that region.
ii. The increase in diameter of the cerebral aqueduct in Image B (right)
when compared to Image A (left) which can be indicative of spinal
stenosis.
2. WHICH IS THE NAME OF THE DISEASE?
The name of the disease pictured above is Parkinson’s Disease, a
neurodegenerative disorder resulting from impairment and/or loss of
dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra structure of the basal ganglia.
3. WHAT ARE THE CLINICAL CONSEQUENCES?
The clinical consequences of Parkinson’s Disease develop over a lengthy
period of time (usually years) and include the follow:
i. Increasing movement-related (motor) symptoms such as tremors,
rhythmic shaking, bradykinesia, hypokinesia, limb stiffness (rigidity),
loss of balance and coordination, hypophonia, and postural instability
with increases in uncontrollability and functional immobility as the
disease progresses.
