CVA Neurophysiology & Mechanisms of Acupuncture Action 2

Question 1

Acupuncture's net effect on the autonomic nervous system in chronic pain states typically results in:

Accepted Answer

Increased parasympathetic tone and normalization of sympathetic hyperactivity

Answer

Exclusive stimulation of sympathetic fight-or-flight responses

Answer

Complete blockade of both sympathetic and parasympathetic activity

Answer

Stimulation of only the enteric nervous system with no central effects

Question 2

How does acupuncture modulate Substance P in the context of chronic pain management?

Accepted Answer

It can reduce elevated Substance P levels, thereby decreasing neurogenic inflammation and central sensitization

Answer

It permanently increases Substance P production to enhance tissue healing

Answer

Substance P is unrelated to acupuncture's analgesic mechanisms

Answer

It selectively destroys Substance P-producing neurons in the dorsal root ganglia

Question 3

Stimulation of acupuncture point ST-36 (Zusanli) in dogs activates which specific anti-inflammatory mechanism?

Accepted Answer

The cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway via vagus nerve activation

Answer

Reduction in gastrointestinal motility to decrease intestinal inflammation

Answer

Direct mast cell suppression at the needle insertion site only

Answer

Increased cortisol secretion from the adrenal cortex

Question 4

What role do mast cells play in the neurophysiology of acupuncture point stimulation?

Accepted Answer

Mast cells degranulate upon needle insertion, releasing histamine and heparin that activate local afferent nerve fibers

Answer

Mast cells are absent from acupuncture point locations and play no role

Answer

Mast cells exclusively suppress local inflammatory responses immediately upon needle contact

Answer

Mast cells only respond to pharmacological injection, not mechanical needle stimulation

Question 5

Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP) is significant in veterinary acupuncture neurophysiology primarily because:

Accepted Answer

It mediates local vasodilation and participates in neurogenic inflammation modulation at acupuncture sites

Answer

It is the main endogenous opioid released during acupuncture treatment

Answer

It is only relevant in equine acupuncture and not applicable to small animal patients

Answer

It permanently blocks all pain pathways when released during needling

Question 6

Acupuncture's modulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis results in which clinically relevant effect?

Accepted Answer

Normalization of stress hormone levels and reduction of chronic HPA axis hyperactivation

Answer

Permanent suppression of all cortisol production in treated animals

Answer

Acute dangerous elevation of ACTH and cortisol immediately after treatment

Answer

Complete blockade of CRH release from the hypothalamus

Question 7

Central sensitization, which veterinary acupuncture aims to reverse, is best defined as:

Accepted Answer

Heightened excitability of dorsal horn neurons resulting in amplified and expanded pain signaling

Answer

Increased sensitivity of peripheral nociceptors at the site of injury only

Answer

Sensitization of the cerebral cortex specifically to auditory stimuli

Answer

Increased sensitivity of alpha motor neurons to voluntary movement commands