After discussing his case with his physician, he learned that he had probably been the victim of pufferfish poisoning. The active toxin in the tissues of this fish is a chemical called tetrodotoxin (TTX). Tetrodotoxin is in a class of chemicals known as neurotoxins because it exerts its effects on neurons. The specific action of tetrodotoxin is that it blocks voltage-gated sodium ion channels.Define the following phrases and terms associated with the signs and symptoms of Dr. Westwood’s TTX poisoning:diaphoresismotor dysfunctionparesthesiascyanotichypoventilating bradycardiagastric lavageoxygen saturationAs mentioned in the case description, tetrodotoxin is a molecule that blocks voltage-gated sodium ion channels. What is a voltage-gated sodium ion channel and what is its function?When nerve cells are at rest, there is an unequal amount of positive and negative charges on either side of a nerve cell membrane. This charge difference creates an electrical potential. Describe how the resting membrane potential (resting potential) is generated.What is happening to the electrical potential of a neuron when it generates an action potential? What is the function of the action potential in neurons?Describe the role of sodium ions and sodium channels in generating an action potential.What would happen to a neuron if it was exposed to tetrodotoxin? Be specific regarding its effect on the ability of a neuron to communicate.Now that you have addressed some of the basic biology of this case, explain why Dr. Westwood experienced numbness after eating the pufferfish meal.Paralysis is a term used to describe the loss of muscle function. If tetrodotoxin’s effect is on neurons, why did Dr. Westwood experience paralysis?

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Answered: After discussing his case with his…

Human Physiology: From Cells to Systems (MindTap Course List)

9th Edition

ISBN:9781285866932

Author:Lauralee Sherwood

Publisher:Lauralee Sherwood

Chapter4: Principles Of Neural And Hormonal Communication

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 16RE

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After discussing his case with his physician, he learned that he had probably been the victim of pufferfish poisoning. The active toxin in the tissues of this fish is a chemical called tetrodotoxin (TTX). Tetrodotoxin is in a class of chemicals known as neurotoxins because it exerts its effects on neurons. The specific action of tetrodotoxin is that it blocks voltage-gated sodium ion channels.

Define the following phrases and terms associated with the signs and symptoms of Dr. Westwood’s TTX poisoning:
1. diaphoresis
2. motor dysfunction
3. paresthesias
4. cyanotic
5. hypoventilating
6. bradycardia
7. gastric lavage
8. oxygen saturation
As mentioned in the case description, tetrodotoxin is a molecule that blocks voltage-gated sodium ion channels. What is a voltage-gated sodium ion channel and what is its function?
When nerve cells are at rest, there is an unequal amount of positive and negative charges on either side of a nerve cell membrane. This charge difference creates an electrical potential. Describe how the resting membrane potential (resting potential) is generated.
What is happening to the electrical potential of a neuron when it generates an action potential? What is the function of the action potential in neurons?
Describe the role of sodium ions and sodium channels in generating an action potential.
What would happen to a neuron if it was exposed to tetrodotoxin? Be specific regarding its effect on the ability of a neuron to communicate.
Now that you have addressed some of the basic biology of this case, explain why Dr. Westwood experienced numbness after eating the pufferfish meal.
Paralysis is a term used to describe the loss of muscle function. If tetrodotoxin’s effect is on neurons, why did Dr. Westwood experience paralysis?

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