Science Olympiad Anatomy and Physiology Practice Test

Parkinson's Disease is primarily linked to a deficiency in dopamine, a crucial neurotransmitter involved in the regulation of movement and coordination. In the condition, degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, a region of the brain, leads to reduced dopamine levels. This deficiency contributes to the hallmark symptoms of Parkinson's, including tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia (slowness of movement).

Dopamine plays an essential role in facilitating communication between the brain and the muscles, allowing for smooth and controlled movements. The lack of dopamine interrupts this communication, resulting in the motor dysfunction observed in patients with Parkinson's Disease. While serotonin, acetylcholine, and norepinephrine are also important neurotransmitters involved in various neurological functions, they do not directly correlate with the primary motor symptoms of Parkinson's.