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Nervous SystemCentral

Nervous System

Brain

Brain Imaging

Peripheral Nervous System

Building Blocks

Genetics

EvolutionaryEndocrine

System

Neurotransmitters

SomaticAutonomic

Sympathetic Parasympathetic

Biological Psychology

Spinal Cord

Neurons

SensoryMotor

NEUROTRANSMITTERS!

AP Psychology

Lock & Key Mechanism

Neurotransmitters bind to the receptors of the receiving neuron in a key-lock mechanism.

Neurotransmitters

Chemicals released by the terminal buttons through the synapse

There are dozens of neurotransmitters (NTs) in the neurons of the body

NTs can either be excitatory or inhibitory

The Major Neurotransmitters in the Body

Acetylcholine: Excitatory Its function is motor movement (causes

muscles to contract) and memory When blocked: paralysis (hemlock,

bolutin, black widows) Too little:

Alzheimers

The Major Neurotransmitters in the Body

Dopamine: Inhibitory Motor movement, alertness, & PLEASURE Lack of Dopamine= Parkinson’s disease Too much dopamine= Schizophrenia

The Major Neurotransmitters in the Brain

GABA: Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid Hunger and sleep The most common inhibitory neurotransmitter

in the brain Too little: Huntington’s disease, anxiety, epilepsy,

insomnia Too much: sleepy (alcohol)

The Major Neurotransmitters in the Brain

Glutamate: The most common excitatory

neurotransmitter in the brain Important for memory Too much== ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease),

migraines, seizures

The Major Neurotransmitters in the Body

Seratonin: Inhibitory in pain

pathways Involved in sleep,

mood, appetite, and sensory perception

Too little== Depression,

Too much== anxiety, limits dreaming, anorexia

The Major Neurotransmitters in the Body

Endorphins Short for "endogenous (produced within)

morphine."  Structurally very similar to the opioids (opium,

morphine, heroin, etc.) (Same thing that helps bears hibernate!)

Deals with pain control We’ve become addicted to endorphin-caused

feelings

Neurotransmitters fit like chemical keys in chemical locks.

2 Categories of neurotransmitters: Excitatory and Inhibitory

ExcitatoryThe key fits and ‘opens’ the receiving neuron.Activation of the receptor causes depolarization of the membrane and promotes an action potential in the receiving neuron.

InhibitoryThe key fits in but only stops any other keys.Activation of the receptor causes hyperpolarization and depresses action potential generation.

Agonists aGOnist

Antagonists anTAGonist

Neurotransmission and Drugs Drugs can affect synapses at a variety of

sites and in a variety of ways, including: Drugs mimic NT Increasing the number of synapses Release of NT from neurons with or without

synapses Produce more/less NT than what is normal Prevent vesicles from releasing NT Block intake of NT or block release of NT