Homework in – crossword sheet and Q’s on back

Neuron Questions What is a neuron and what is its function? Describe the main parts of a neuron and their roles. What is an action potential? What does this mean: “an action potential is an all or nothing event”? Explain why neural communication is both electrical and chemical. What chemicals are involved in neural communication?

The cell of the nervous system. Neuron: The cell of the nervous system. Dendrites, Cell body (or soma), Axon, Myelin sheath, Nodes of Ranvier, Terminal buttons, Synapse(s), Other structures?

Neurotransmitter (NT): A natural chemical in our nervous system that transmits info Agonist: A drug (or poison) that enhances or mimics the activity of a NT Antagonist: A drug (or poison) that reduces the activity of a NT

Agonist: A drug (or poison) that enhances the activity of a NT Antagonist:A drug (or poison) that reduces the activity of a NT Khan Academy: Agonists and Antagonists

Different neurotransmitters do different things! Acetylcholine (ACh): NT that affects learning and memory (in the brain), and movement (in muscles) Alzheimer’s patients have lower levels of ACh. This American Life: A Trip Down Memory Lane

Botulinum poison: An antagonist that blocks the release of Ach, can paralyze diaphragm muscles and stop breathing Botox: Before and After

Antagonist for Ach, leads to paralysis. Curare: Antagonist for Ach, leads to paralysis. S. American Indians use it for hunting. Black widow spider poison: Ach agonist, causes flood of Ach, the Ach runs out S. American Indian Hunters

Rewarding/pleasurable: eating, drinking, sex Dopamine: Reward and motivation Rewarding/pleasurable: eating, drinking, sex Motor control over voluntary Low levels  Parkinson’s Parkinson’s treatments can cause symptoms of schizophrenia (losing touch with reality, hallucinations, false beliefs, etc.) Michael J Fox Interview This American Life: Schizophrenia

Amphetamines and cocaine: Dopamine ____________ “High” arousal state followed by a crash Other dopamine agonists: Painkillers, caffeine, nicotine

Serotonin: Emotional states, impulsiveness, dreaming Norepinephrine: Alertness, higher mood level Low levels of these NTs are related to depression, sadness/anxiety, food cravings, and aggressive behavior. Antidepressants are ____________ for them, as well as drugs for eating disorders, OCD, and obesity. Ex. Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, Cymbalta, Pristiq, and Effexor

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid): the main inhibitory NT, keeps brain from getting too aroused/over-excited Lowers arousal/anxiety and helps regulate movement Antianxiety drugs (tranquilizers) are ____________ for GABA Glutamate: the main excitatory NT, memory storage and pain perception High levels can cause neuron death, low levels can cause coma Glutamate may be linked to schizophrenia

Endorphins: NT involved in pain relief and pleasure Higher endorphins levels have been found in runners post-marathons and in women during childbirth Morphine and heroin mimic endorphins, and cause a release of dopamine Is it linked to acupuncture?

Nervous System Central NS (CNS) Peripheral NS (PNS) Autonomic NS: Brain: Control center for entire NS Spinal Cord: Connects brain and PNS, and enables reflexes Peripheral NS (PNS) Somatic NS: Senses  CNS CNS  Muscles Autonomic NS: Involuntary, controls organs and glands Sympathetic NS: “Fight-or-flight” system Controls body when aroused Parasympathetic NS: “Rest-and-digest” system Controls the body during normal rest state

Identify the parts labeled: Think deeply and answer completely. Do not copy the questions. Identify the parts labeled: A: ___________________ B: ___________________ C: ___________________ What are neurotransmitters? What does an agonist do to a neurotransmitter? What does an antagonist do to a neurotransmitter? Would a message travel faster in an axon with or without myelin? Respond to this quote: Love is just a chemical being released in our brain. A B C