1. Good Morning!
Think of the most physically challenging thing you’ve ever done.
When you completed the task, how did you feel?

2. How the human brain works!
Part I: Neurons and the synapse

3. The Nervous system
All human actions are controlled by the nervous system
Walking, feeling pain, making a decision, remembering an answer to a test question
Broken down into two parts
central nervous system
peripheral nervous system

5. Nervous system Central Nervous System: Brain and spinal cord
Peripheral Nervous System: Nerve cells that send messages between the CNS and the rest of the body

6. Communication
Neurons: The nerve cells that run through our entire body sending messages to and from the brain (they communicate).
Each of us have more than 100 billion, the majority of which are found in our brain

8. Parts of the Neuron
Cell body: produces the energy that the cell uses to function
Dendrites: Fibers that branch out from the cell body and receive information from other neurons (they look) like tree branches

10. Parts of the Neuron Axon: carries messages away from the cell bodies
Can be .23mm
Can be 3 ft.
Myelin Sheath: fatty wrapping along the Axon that makes messages go faster
Axon Terminal: Where messages are sent from the axon to the dendrites of other Neurons

14. The synapse
Synapse: The spot where nerve signals jump from the axons of one neuron to the dendrites of another
Neurotransmitters: The axons release neurotransmitters that bind to receptor
Remember the Synaptic gap!

16. Neurotransmitter Notes
Neurons send messages across synapses through the release of neurotransmitters.
Chemicals that are stored in sacs in the axon terminals
Neuron fires (sends message) by releasing neurotransmitters
Fire 100’s of times/second.
Neuron’s fire to each other until the message arrives at its destination.

17. Acetylcholine - ACh Assta-ko-leen Found… Effects…
In both Central NS & Peripheral NS
Muscles of the gastro-intestinal system
Effects…
Activates muscles
Causes muscles to contract
Slows the heart rate
Induces REM sleep

18. Norepinephrine – Norepi or NE
Also called Noradrenaline
Found…
Adrenaline Glands
All over the brain
(Thalamus, amygdala, hippocampus, etc…)
Effects…
Increases heart rate, brain’s oxygen supply, blood flow & blood pressure
When released in the brain it affects attention and arousal

19. Dopamine Found… Effects… In the brain released by the hypothalamus.
Controls muscle sensation & motor behavior
Social anxiety, increased heart rate & blood pressure
Important role in behavior and motivation, punishment, reward, & movement
Deficiency levels plays role in Parkinson’s.

20. Serotonin Found… Effects…
In the Blood and in the Gut (regulates intestinal movements.)
Effects…
Contributes to feelings of well-being
Mood, emotion & concentration
“happiness hormone”
Or lack of could cause depression

21. GABA Found… Effects… brain. Helps with anxiety “Buzz Kill”
Acts like a break from noradrenaline & dopamine

22. Glutamate Found… Effects… Central Nervous System (brain).
Can ingest it (Soy, meats, poultry, eggs, dairy products, & seaweed.)
Effects…
Learning and Memory!
(that’s why they say you should eat well before you test!)

23. Endorphin Found… Effects…
Produced by the pituitary gland during exercise, excitement, pain, eating spicy food, love, etc…
Blood
Effects…
Pain reduction & pleasure
“Endorphin Rush” – feelings of exhilaration brought by pain or danger.
Allow us to feel a sense of power and control and persist with activity for extended time.