QuestionSBA
QuestionChoice
This is the correct answer. Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder characterised by disturbances in the sleep-wake cycle and is often linked to a deficiency of hypocretin (also known as orexin), a neuropeptide produced by neurons in the posterior lateral hypothalamus. Hypocretin/orexin plays a critical role in regulating wakefulness and maintaining arousal. It promotes alertness and prevents transitions into sudden sleep episodes. The posterior lateral hypothalamus contains the neurons that produce hypocretin/orexin. Dysfunction of these neurons can lead to narcolepsy.
10025310
a
Posterior lateral hypothalamus
QuestionChoice
It is important to note that the midbrain reticular formation is indeed involved in the regulation of arousal and wakefulness, but the specific neuropeptide mentioned here, hypocretin, is produced by cells in the hypothalamus.
10025311
b
Midbrain reticular formation
QuestionChoice
It is important to note that while the intralaminar nucleus in the thalamus is indeed involved in the regulation of arousal and wakefulness, hypocretin is primarily produced in the hypothalamus.
10025314
e
Intralaminar nucleus in the thalamus
QuestionChoice
The suprachiasmatic nucleus is a critical component of the hypothalamus involved in regulating the body's circadian rhythms and the sleep-wake cycle. Although it does influence the timing of sleep and wakefulness, hypocretin is primarily produced in the hypothalamus.
10025313
d
Suprachiasmatic nucleus in the hypothalamus
QuestionChoice
The ventral tegmental area is primarily associated with the reward system and the release of dopamine. Although it has an impact on motivation and mood, it is not directly involved in the regulation of the sleep-wake cycle or arousal system. Hypocretin is primarily produced in the hypothalamus.
10025312
c
Ventral tegmental area
Concept
Chapter
2693
5830
Anatomy of the arousal system
Topic
152
Neuroscience
17460
A 29 year old female with a new diagnosis of narcolepsy discusses her condition in neurology clinic. The clinician explains that narcolepsy is associated with low levels of the neuropeptide hypocretin. This neuropeptide acts across several brain regions, including one that is involved in the arousal system.

Which of the following brain regions contains the orexin-producing neurons implicated in narcolepsy?
a