What do neuritic plaques represent in the context of neurological conditions?

What do neuritic plaques represent in the context of neurological conditions?

• A. Healthy nerve endings
• B. Degenerated nerve endings
• C. Enhanced synaptic connections
• D. Improved neurotransmitter function

Answer: (B)

Neuritic plaques are indicative of neurodegeneration and are primarily associated with conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. These plaques consist of aggregated beta-amyloid peptides that accumulate outside neurons, disrupting cell function and leading to the degeneration of nerve endings. The presence of these plaques is often correlated with cognitive decline and neuroinflammatory responses in the brain. The other options describe states that do not align with the characteristics of neuritic plaques. Healthy nerve endings would suggest normal neural function, while enhanced synaptic connections and improved neurotransmitter function reflect a state of health and connectivity in the nervous system. Understanding the implication of neuritic plaques emphasizes their role as markers of pathology rather than signs of healthy neural activity.

Neuritic plaques are indicative of neurodegeneration and are primarily associated with conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. These plaques consist of aggregated beta-amyloid peptides that accumulate outside neurons, disrupting cell function and leading to the degeneration of nerve endings. The presence of these plaques is often correlated with cognitive decline and neuroinflammatory responses in the brain.

The other options describe states that do not align with the characteristics of neuritic plaques. Healthy nerve endings would suggest normal neural function, while enhanced synaptic connections and improved neurotransmitter function reflect a state of health and connectivity in the nervous system. Understanding the implication of neuritic plaques emphasizes their role as markers of pathology rather than signs of healthy neural activity.