Components of the Nervous System Components of the Nervous System Glial cells (glia) Provide firmness and structure to the brain Get nutrients into the system Form myelin Create the blood-brain barrier Initially thought to be passive in comparison to “flashy” neurons Communicate with other glia & neurons New frontier: play a central role in addiction and mental health issues Neurons Analyze and transmit information Four defined regions Cell body Dendrites Axon Presynaptic terminals Communicate through neurotransmitters
This document is posted to help you gain knowledge. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think about it! Share it to your friends and learn new things together.
Transcript
Components of the Nervous SystemComponents of the Nervous System
Glial cells (glia) Provide firmness and structure to the brain Get nutrients into the system Form myelin Create the blood-brain barrier Initially thought to be passive in comparison to “flashy” neurons Communicate with other glia & neurons New frontier: play a central role in addiction and mental health issues
Neurons Analyze and transmit information Four defined regions
Cell body
Dendrites
Axon Presynaptic terminals
Communicate through neurotransmitters
NeuronNeuron
Chemical Pathways: NeurotransmittersChemical Pathways: Neurotransmitters
7 Main neurotransmitters in the study of psychoactive drugs Dopamine Serotonin Norepinephrine GABA Endorphins Glutamate Acetylcholine
Chemical Pathways: Neurotransmitters
1. Dopamine Component of “reward” properties of drugs Mood & movement Attention & memory
7. Acetylcholine Involved in diverse processes: memory, attention & mood Nicotine
Impact on Neurotransmission
Psychoactive substances can impact neurotransmitters in both the intoxication and withdrawal process
Many ways psychoactive drugs can impact neurotransmission - 3 common ways: Increase neurotransmitter activity
Agonist
Reduce neurotransmitter activity Antagonist
Blocking reuptake of neurotransmitter Reuptake inhibitors
Chemical Theories of BehaviorChemical Theories of Behavior
Variations in behavior explained through changes in brain chemistry Historical and cultural perspectives Monoamine theory of mood Issue of experimental support