Neurotransmitters are powerful chemicals that regulate numerous physical and emotional processes such as mental performance, emotional states and pain response. Virtually all functions in life are controlled by neurotransmitters. They are the brain's chemical messengers.Interactions between neurotransmitters, hormones, and the brain chemicals have a profound influence on overall health and well-being. When our concentration and focus is good, we feel more directed, motivated, and vibrant. Unfortunately, if neurotransmitter levels are inadequate these energizing and motivating signals are absent and we feel more stressed, sluggish, and out-of-control.
Effects:
Control the appetite center of the brain Dopamine is responsible for motivation, interest, and drive. It is associated with positive stress states such as being in love, exercising, listening to music, and sex . When we don't have enough of it we don't feel alive, we have difficulty initiating or completing tasks, poor concentration, no energy, and lack of motivation. Dopamine also is involved in muscle control and function. Low Dopamine levels can drive us to use drugs (self medicate), alcohol, smoke cigarettes, gamble, and/or overeat. High dopamine has been observed in patients with poor GI function, autism, mood swings, psychosis, and children with attention disorders. Glutamate is the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. It is required for learning and memory. Low levels can lead to tiredness and poor brain activity. Increased levels of glutamate can cause death to the neurons (nerve cells) in the brain. Dysfunction in glutamate levels are involved in many neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's, Huntington's, and Tourette's. High levels also contribute to Depression, OCD, and Autism. Histamine is most commonly known for it's role in allergic reactions but it is also involved in neurotransmission and can affect your emotions and behavior as well. Histamine helps control the sleep-wake cycle and promotes the release of epinephrine and norepinephrine. High histamine levels have been linked to obsessive compulsive tendencies, depression, and
which structures are responsible for input, integration, conduction, and output. 2. Explain the roles of sensory neurons, motor neurons, and interneurons. 3. Identify the different parts of a synapse : presynaptic membrane, vesicles (sacs), neurotransmitter, synaptic cleft, postsynaptic membrane, receptors. 4. Describe the roles of different glia in the nervous system: astrocytes (astroglia), microglia, oligodendrocytes (oligodendroglia), Schwann cells. 5. Briefly describe the 3 components of…
These allow for two-way data exchange between cells. Chemical Synapses 6. What is the synaptic cleft? It is a narrow physical gap at the junction between 2 cells. 7. Electrical impulses cannot jump the synaptic cleft. What is the role of neurotransmitters in achieving this task? They are the chemical messengers of the converted electrical signal which can diffuse across the gap. 8. Explain what is meant by a chemical synapse being “one way only.” This means that data can only travel from…
individuals who suffer from these addictions. The sociocultural view proposes that substance abuse and dependence are more likely to appear in families and social environments where substance abuse is valued or at least accepted (Cromer, R.J., 2011, chapter.10). It has been found that substance abuse often occurs in areas where there are higher levels of unemployment and also in middle-class communities. Alcohol abuse is also found in higher rates in the teenage community. The types of therapies that are…
gland, controlled by hypothalamus Hypothalamic hormone release is regulated by neurotransmitters released from nerve cells in the brain Neurotransmitter release influences behavior and hormones, hormones influence release of neurotransmitters through chemical messengers The Body’s Three Communication Systems Nervous system, endocrine system, and immune system Nerve cells communicate through release of neurotransmitters Endocrine glands communicate through hormones Immune system communicates through…
Chapters 2 and 3 Structure and Function of the Nervous System Chemical Signaling by Neurotransmitters and Hormones Neuron Structure Three main features of every neuron Dendrites Treelike projections from the soma that receive information from other cells Constantly modified and change shape rapidly in response to changes in synaptic transmission Soma Cell boy Contains the nucleus and other organelles that maintain metabolic function Axon Single tubular extension that conducts the electrical signal…
List 10 Ways That Drugs Harm the Body When drugs get into the bloodstream they are carried to all parts of the body and some reach the brain. If the drug reaches the brain quicker, the effects are worse. If the drug is injected, it is the quickest way to the brain; second quickest being smoking the drug, third would be snorting it, and fourth eating or drinking it. The neurotransmitters are affected by the drug once in the brain. Neurotransmitters control the movement of information within the…
system has nearly 100 billion neurons. They aren’t the only type of cell in the system. Glia Glia supports the neurons in many ways. They provide insulation, and remove waste products and foreign bodies. They are 1/10th the size of the neurons but about 10 times as numerous. Anatomy of a neuron Neurons have a variety of shapes, but they all have 3 basic parts A cell body that contains the nucleus and most of the organelles. The dendrites- branching structures that receive transmissions from other neurons…
different ways. Some drugs are similar in structure to neurotransmitters and can bind to neurotransmitter receptors on neurons. Marijuana and heroin, for example, are able to affect the brain in this way. Other drugs, such as cocaine and amphetamines, stimulate neurons to release abnormally high amounts of certain neurotransmitters. Drugs that can be abused also activate the brain's pleasure system by releasing dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter that gets released when the body experiences pleasurable…
cells that line the cavities of the brain and spinal cord. Microglia eats microorganisms or neuronal debris. 7. Schwann cells- produce myelin sheath around 1 axon. Satellite cells 8. Deterioration of myelin sheath 9. Non myelinated 10. Myelinated 11. A.-Voltage difference across plasma membrane B. – Unequal distribution of ions across the plasma membrane C. – sodium potassium pump 12. Threshold stimulus- weakest stimulus capable of production a response in an excitable…
and concentration. It’s more difficult to focus and pay attention, so you’re more easily confused. 3. Sleepwalking can run in the family. Identical twins are more likely to sleepwalk. If you have a parent, brother, or sister who sleepwalks, you're 10 times more likely to do so than someone from a family with no sleepwalkers. Other causes for sleepwalking can include being sleep deprived; on a chaotic sleep schedule, being stressed or being drunk. Taking drugs such as sedative-hypnotics, neuroleptics…
