ANCC PMHNP ACTUAL EXAM WITH VERIFIED ANSWERS.
Section I: Neurobiology and Neurotransmitters
1. Mesocortical pathway Executive function: attention, focus, depression.
2. Nigrostriatal pathway From substantia nigra (brainstem) to striatum (muscles):
Parkinson's disease.
3. Mesolimbic pathway Projects to nucleus accumbens (part of limbic system).
Relates to pleasure, reward, addiction, and positive symptoms of schizophrenia.
4. Tuberoinfundibular pathway Regulation of prolactin (acts on pituitary). Associated
with hypersexuality in mania.
5. Dopamine Produced in substantia nigra and VTA. D2 & D4 receptors are most
important. Elevated levels in the mesolimbic pathway are associated with
psychosis.
6. Serotonin (5-HT) Produced in the raphe nucleus. Regulates emotion, impulses, and
dreams. 5HT2A receptors are the target for atypical antipsychotics.
7. Norepinephrine Produced in the locus coeruleus. Responsible for arousal and
vigilance.
8. GABA The primary inhibitory neurotransmitter. Produces calm in conjunction with
benzodiazepines.
9. Acetylcholine (ACh) Involved in motor control, learning, memory, and sleep. Levels
decrease in Alzheimer's disease.
Section II: Brain Anatomy and Function
10.Gray matter Where neurons (cell bodies) are found.
11.Frontal lobe Executive function, voluntary movement, and speech (Broca's area).
12.Temporal lobe Memory, cognition, speech, and emotions (limbic area).
13.Parietal lobe Receives and processes sensory input.
14.Wernicke's area Located in the temporal and parietal lobes; responsible for speech
comprehension.
15.Amygdala Responsible for the fear response.
16.Hippocampus Responsible for memory. Forms the limbic system along with the
amygdala.
Section III: Endocrine Axes and Lab Values
17.HPA Axis (Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal) Involves CRH, ACTH, and cortisol.
Function worsens with stress and depression.
Section I: Neurobiology and Neurotransmitters
1. Mesocortical pathway Executive function: attention, focus, depression.
2. Nigrostriatal pathway From substantia nigra (brainstem) to striatum (muscles):
Parkinson's disease.
3. Mesolimbic pathway Projects to nucleus accumbens (part of limbic system).
Relates to pleasure, reward, addiction, and positive symptoms of schizophrenia.
4. Tuberoinfundibular pathway Regulation of prolactin (acts on pituitary). Associated
with hypersexuality in mania.
5. Dopamine Produced in substantia nigra and VTA. D2 & D4 receptors are most
important. Elevated levels in the mesolimbic pathway are associated with
psychosis.
6. Serotonin (5-HT) Produced in the raphe nucleus. Regulates emotion, impulses, and
dreams. 5HT2A receptors are the target for atypical antipsychotics.
7. Norepinephrine Produced in the locus coeruleus. Responsible for arousal and
vigilance.
8. GABA The primary inhibitory neurotransmitter. Produces calm in conjunction with
benzodiazepines.
9. Acetylcholine (ACh) Involved in motor control, learning, memory, and sleep. Levels
decrease in Alzheimer's disease.
Section II: Brain Anatomy and Function
10.Gray matter Where neurons (cell bodies) are found.
11.Frontal lobe Executive function, voluntary movement, and speech (Broca's area).
12.Temporal lobe Memory, cognition, speech, and emotions (limbic area).
13.Parietal lobe Receives and processes sensory input.
14.Wernicke's area Located in the temporal and parietal lobes; responsible for speech
comprehension.
15.Amygdala Responsible for the fear response.
16.Hippocampus Responsible for memory. Forms the limbic system along with the
amygdala.
Section III: Endocrine Axes and Lab Values
17.HPA Axis (Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal) Involves CRH, ACTH, and cortisol.
Function worsens with stress and depression.
