1. Homework in – crossword sheet and Q’s on back

2. 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?

3. 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?

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

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

8. 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

9. 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

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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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?

14. 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

15. 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