Neurobiology: noradrenergic nucleus: practice question

A Psychiatry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Psychiatry · Neurobiology: noradrenergic nucleus

Sample item

The principal noradrenergic nucleus in the brain, implicated in anxiety, arousal and panic, is the:

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Locus coeruleus

The locus coeruleus in the pons is the main source of noradrenergic projections, and it is hyperactive in panic and stress states. Raphe nuclei are serotonergic, the nucleus basalis is cholinergic and the substantia nigra is dopaminergic.

Option by option

  • A. Raphe nuclei

    Raphe nuclei are serotonergic.

  • B. Locus coeruleus (correct)

    Correct. The locus coeruleus is the main noradrenergic nucleus.

  • C. Nucleus basalis of Meynert

    The nucleus basalis of Meynert is cholinergic.

  • D. Substantia nigra

    The substantia nigra is dopaminergic.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Psychiatry question

What is the answer to this Psychiatry question?

The best answer is B, Locus coeruleus. The locus coeruleus in the pons is the main source of noradrenergic projections, and it is hyperactive in panic and stress states.

Why is "Raphe nuclei" not the answer?

Raphe nuclei are serotonergic.

Why is "Nucleus basalis of Meynert" not the answer?

The nucleus basalis of Meynert is cholinergic.

Why is "Substantia nigra" not the answer?

The substantia nigra is dopaminergic.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neurobiology: noradrenergic nucleus in Psychiatry. Raphe nuclei are serotonergic, the nucleus basalis is cholinergic and the substantia nigra is dopaminergic.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Neurobiology: noradrenergic nucleus?

Learn each diagnosis by its core features and its first-line treatment. Then use the flashcards and the other Psychiatry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.