Textbook Question
The establishment of emotional states is a function of the:
(a) Limbic system
(b) Tectum
(c) Mammillary bodies
(d) Thalamus
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12. The Central Nervous System
Introduction to the Central Nervous System
3:17 minutesProblem 10
Textbook Question
What physiological activities distinguish non-REM sleep from REM sleep?
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Understand the two main types of sleep: Non-REM (non-rapid eye movement) sleep and REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. Non-REM sleep is divided into three stages (N1, N2, N3), while REM sleep is a distinct phase characterized by specific physiological changes.
Non-REM sleep is associated with slower brain activity, reduced heart rate, and decreased respiratory rate. During this phase, the body focuses on physical restoration, such as tissue repair and growth, and energy conservation.
REM sleep is characterized by rapid eye movements, increased brain activity resembling wakefulness, irregular breathing, and elevated heart rate. This phase is crucial for cognitive functions like memory consolidation and emotional processing.
Muscle activity differs significantly between the two phases. In non-REM sleep, muscles are relaxed but maintain some tone, whereas in REM sleep, there is near-complete muscle atonia (paralysis) to prevent acting out dreams.
Hormonal activity also varies. Non-REM sleep is associated with the release of growth hormone and other restorative processes, while REM sleep involves heightened activity in the brain's cholinergic system, which supports dreaming and neural plasticity.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Non-REM Sleep Stages
Non-REM (NREM) sleep consists of three stages, each characterized by distinct physiological changes. During these stages, the body experiences a decrease in heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate, promoting restorative processes. The deepest stage, NREM Stage 3, is crucial for physical recovery and growth, as well as memory consolidation.
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REM Sleep Characteristics
Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep is marked by increased brain activity, vivid dreaming, and muscle atonia, which prevents the body from acting out dreams. Physiologically, heart rate and breathing become irregular, and brain waves resemble those of wakefulness. REM sleep plays a vital role in emotional regulation and memory processing.
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Physiological Differences
The physiological activities during NREM and REM sleep differ significantly. NREM sleep is associated with restorative functions and lower metabolic activity, while REM sleep involves heightened brain activity and physiological arousal. Understanding these differences is essential for comprehending the overall sleep cycle and its impact on health.
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