Final Neuro Study Guide 4

Ethanol

A type of alcohol produced during fermentation by yeast as they metabolize sugars in anaerobic conditions.

Toxicity Comparison

Ethanol is relatively safe in moderation, while methanol and isopropanol are highly toxic.

Blood Alcohol Content (BAC)

The concentration of alcohol in a person's bloodstream, which is affected by how quickly alcohol is consumed and whether it is taken with food.

Liver Metabolism

The process by which ethanol is broken down in the liver by enzymes; can be affected by genetic or pharmaceutical factors.

Sex Differences in Alcohol Bioavailability

Women generally have a higher blood alcohol concentration than men after consuming the same amount of alcohol.

Acute Tolerance

A short-term adaptation that occurs with immediate exposure to ethanol, leading to reduced effects.

Chronic Tolerance

Long-term adaptation that develops through repeated use of ethanol, resulting in reduced sensitivity.

GABA receptors

Receptors in the brain that mediate inhibitory neurotransmission and are enhanced by ethanol.

Withdrawal Seizures

Seizures that can occur due to chronic ethanol exposure and subsequent downregulation of GABA receptors.

Types of Anesthesia

Categories include local (specific area), regional (larger area), and general (induces unconsciousness, analgesia, and amnesia).

Curare

A paralytic agent that affects nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, used during surgeries.

Nitrous Oxide

An inhaled anesthetic commonly used in oral surgery.

Ether Dome

The location at Massachusetts General Hospital where inhaled anesthetics were first effectively used.

Meyer-Overton Hypothesis

Suggests anesthetic potency correlates with lipid solubility.

Protein Hypothesis

Posits that inhaled anesthetics work through direct interaction with specific proteins, including GABA receptors.

Minimum Alveolar Concentration (MAC)

A measure of anesthetic potency based on the concentration needed to prevent movement in response to surgical stimuli.

Therapeutic Range

The dosage range of anesthetics that is effective and safe for patients.

Therapeutic Index

The ratio of toxic dose to effective dose, indicating safety margins in anesthesia.

Ethanol Absorption

Ethanol is primarily absorbed in the stomach and small intestine, with food slowing down this process.

Ethanol Effects on Physiological Processes

Blocking liver enzymes that metabolize ethanol can alter its physiological effects.

Types of Alcohol

Includes ethanol (safe in moderation), methanol (toxic), and isopropanol (toxic).

Alcohol Bioavailability

Refers to how much and how quickly alcohol enters the bloodstream.

Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors

Receptors affected by curare, leading to paralysis during surgical procedures.

Amnesia

A state induced by general anesthesia resulting in memory loss.

Akinesia

A state of muscle paralysis resulting from general anesthesia.

Analgesia

Pain relief provided during general anesthesia.

Ethanol and Neurotransmission

Ethanol enhances the activity of GABA receptors, affecting brain signaling.

Excessive Ethanol Consumption

Can lead to physiological disruptions, including changes in neurotransmitter balances.

Nitrous Oxide's Role

Used as a sedative in dental and medical procedures, facilitating anxiety reduction and pain relief.

Therapeutic Monitoring

Involves ensuring that doses of anesthetics remain within the therapeutic range to avoid toxic effects.

General Anesthesia Properties

Induces unconsciousness, analgesia, amnesia, and muscle relaxation.

Alcohol's Effect on Men vs Women

Physiological differences lead women to typically have a higher BAC than men after equal consumption.

Blocking Ethanol Metabolism

Genetic or pharmacological factors that inhibit the enzymes responsible for breaking down ethanol.