Roadmap Brain and body Neurons Nervous system Neural messages Mapping the brain Brain function

Murderers and plasticity N x N Meditation Novel environments Expertise Practice Epigenetics

Neurons Dendrites-input Soma (cell body) Axons-carry message away (to other cells)

Neural network example

Action potential Nerve stimulated Reverses charge-positive ions enter cell

Nerve impulse Synaptic vesicles release neurotransmitter (chemicals) into synapse(gap) Fit into receptor sites on next cell stimulating or inhibiting firing

Nerve impulse reaches the synaptic knobs, triggering the release of neurotransmitters from the synaptic vesicles. Molecules of neurotransmitter cross the synaptic gap to fit into the receptor sites that fit the shape of the molecule, opening the ion channel and allowing sodium ions to rush in.

Nerve impulse Neurotransmitters (e.g., serotonin) excitatory or inhibitory

Nervous system Central nervous system (CNS) Brain makes sense of the information received from the senses, makes decisions sends commands to muscles, body Spinal cord Messages Reflexes (e.g., pain)

Nervous system Peripheral nervous system is all the neurons and nerves that are not part of CNS, and that extend throughout body

Peripheral nervous system Two systems somatic nervous system autonomic nervous system

Autonomic nervous system Parasympathetic restores and maintains normal day-to-day functioning Sympathetic fight-or-flight system

Lesioning

brain function. An EEG record is shown in 2.11a

Figure 2.13 The Limbic System

Consciousness Dreaming Drugs and altered consciousness Roadmap Consciousness Dreaming Drugs and altered consciousness

Consciousness A person’s awareness of everything that is going on around him or her at any given moment

Hypnosis & meditation

Dreams activity

Freudian theories Freud – dreams as wish fulfillment Manifest content – the actual dream itself Latent content – true, hidden meaning of a dream

The Brain and Activation-Synthesis Theory of Dreaming Random signals to the upper part of the brain Pass through the thalamus-signals to the proper sensory areas of cortex Association areas of the cortex respond (making up) a dream, bits and pieces life experiences and memories

Activation-information-mode model (AIM) Information accessed during waking hours influences synthesis of dreams

Sleep problems Insomnia - inability to get to sleep, stay asleep, or get good quality Sleep apnea – disorder, person stops breathing nearly half a minute or more Continuous positive airway pressure device

Psychoactive drugs alter thinking, perception, memory

Physical Dependence Tolerance – more and more drug needed for same effect Withdrawal - physical symptoms: nausea, pain, tremors, crankiness, high blood pressure…

Psychological dependence feeling drug needed to continue feeling of emotional or psychological well-being

Oxycontin examples

Stimulants increase the functioning of the nervous system

Stimulants Amphetamines – drugs synthesized (made in labs) Cocaine – natural drug; euphoria, energy, power, pleasure Nicotine - active ingredient in tobacco

Stimulants Caffeine - stimulant in coffee, tea, sodas, chocolate, OTC drugs

Nicotine harmful effects of nicotine well known BUT… many people continue to smoke or chew tobacco! Third-hand smoke QUIT OR DON’T START!!!

Depressants decrease functioning of the nervous system

Depressants Barbituates – sedative effect Benzodiazepines - lower anxiety and reduce stress Rohypnol – "date rape" drug

Alcohol fermentation or distillation of various kinds of vegetable matter Confused as stimulant, actually a depressant on CNS

Narcotics opium-related drugs suppress sensation of pain -- binding to, stimulating nervous system’s natural receptor sites for endorphins

Narcotics Opium - derived from opium poppy, from which all narcotic drugs are derived Morphine - narcotic drug derived from opium, used to treat severe pain Heroin - narcotic drug derived from opium, extremely addictive

Psychogenic drugs Hallucinogens and marijuana, produce hallucinations or increased feelings of relaxation, intoxication Hallucinogens - drugs that cause false sensory messages, altering the perception of reality LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) - powerful synthetic hallucinogen PCP - synthesized drug now used as an animal tranquilizer that can cause stimulant, depressant, narcotic, or hallucinogenic effects

Psychogenic drugs Hallucinogens – cause false sensory messages, altering perception of reality LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) - powerful synthetic hallucinogen PCP – synthesized, used as animal tranquilizer can cause stimulant, depressant, narcotic, or hallucinogenic effects

Psychogenic drugs MDMA (Ecstasy or X) - designer drug, stimulant and hallucinatory effects Stimulatory hallucinogenics – produce a mixture of psychomotor stimulant and hallucinogenic effects Mescaline - natural hallucinogen from peyote cactus buttons

Marijuana (pot or weed) mild hallucinogen derived from hemp plant Cannabis reported to relieve pain multiple sclerosis chronic pain from nerve damage Use is controversial-classified as illegal drug in some countries THOUGHTS, PREDICTIONS???

Meth…and social problems