Neurotransmitters Ms. Carmelitano
Introduction Neurons are the building blocks of behavior The 10 to 100 billion neurons make about 13 trillion connections with each other over the synapses Essential Question: How do messages cross the synapses?
Answer: Neurotransmission! The neurons send electrochemical messages to the brain so that people can respond to stimuli Neurotransmission: The method by which messages are sent between the synapses of the neurons
Neurotransmission When an electrical impulse travels down the axon of the neuron, it releases neurotransmitters which cross the synapse between the neurons Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers which transmit information over the synapses from one neuron to another.
Neurotransmission Neurotransmitters are stored in the neuron’s terminal buttons When they cross the synapse they fit into receptor sites in the next neuron like a lock-in a key, only certain neurotransmitters will fit in certain receptors After the message is sent, other chemicals re-absorb the released chemicals
Neurotransmission
Enough of the science… now for the effect on behavior!
Effect on Behavior Neurotransmission can cause many behavioral traits such as Mood Memory Arousal Mental illness
Why? Neurotransmitters are responsible for causing the body to react to stimuli If the neurotransmitters are out of balance, they will not be able to cause the body to appropriately react to stimuli
Effecting Neurotransmitters Neurotransmitters fit into receptor sites like a lock-and-key Because of this, drugs can stimulate or block the neurotransmitter This can be on purpose with prescription drugs to regulate over or under production or as a result of drug abuse
Neurotransmitters you should know Acetylcholine Dopamine Norepinephrine Serotonin
Activity Using your textbooks and tablets, fill in the Neurotransmitters chart
Acetylcholine A neurotransmitter in the Autonomic Nervous System In the PNS – helps with muscle contraction In the CNS – sensory perception Related to learning, memory, movement If a person is having difficulty moving, it may be due to a blockage of acetylcholine
Dopamine Helps with voluntary movement Learning Feelings of pleasure When we experience the stimuli of reward, there is an increase of the production of dopamine which creates the feeling of pleasure
Norepinephrine Can affect the rhythm of the heart Helps to regulate flight-or-fight response Stimulating affect, causing arousal, alertness, and stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system Sympathetic nervous system – The system that aids in control of internal organs
Serotonin Regulates sleep, arousal, and emotion Can regulate appetite Can also affect memory and learning
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90cj4NX87Yk http://science.education.nih.gov/supplements/nih2/Addiction/activities/lesson2_neurotransmission.htm