Synapses+JO


 * Synapses**

A Motor neuron cans stimulate from a few muscle fibers because they have many branches. They stimulate the contraction muscles.
 * Motor Neuron** p.234
 * What is a motor neuron?**

The name is neurotransmitter **acetylcholine** (ACh)
 * What is the name neurotransmitter released by motor neurons?**

Botox, another name for Botulinum Toxin A, is a neurotoxin produced by a bacterium. It blocks the release of ACh so the muscle doesn't contract, this causing the non-wrinkling effect.
 * How does botox prevent muscle contraction?**

It interferes with the uptake of dopamine at the synapses. the result is a feeling of well being.
 * Cocaine** p.268
 * What does cocaine interfere with at the synapses?**

If taken continuously and in higher dose the effect get much more drastic, sometimes resulting in sleeplessness, no apetite, and depression. "cocaine pyschosis" a paranoid schizophrenia.
 * What is the effect?**

It has a structure similar to dopamine, and it mimics the stimulation of cocaine.
 * Methamphetamine p.268**
 * What neurotransmitter does meth resemble?**

Can lead to violent behaviors also hypothermia and convulsions.
 * What is the effect?**

Where is heroin derived?** From the resin or sap of the opium poppy play. (grown in Turkey - Southeast Asia and in some parts of Latin America)
 * Heroin p. 268

Mixed with morphine and codeine which creates a pain-killing effect. The morphine binds to the opioid receptors and the result is a euphoric sensation/ experience.
 * What is heroin converted to that can bind opiate receptors in the brain?**

The opiates depress breathing, activate the reward circuit, block pain pathways, cloud mental function, and sometimes cause nausea and vomiting.
 * What do the opiate receptors do?**

What is THC?** Tetrahydrocannabinol. it is a resin from indian hemp.
 * Marijuana p. 269

It is a neurotransmitter
 * What is anandamide?**

THC and anandamides belong to a class of chemicals called cannabinoids. THC mimics the neurotransmitter.
 * What is the relationship between THC and anandamide and cannabinoids?**

Because it is located in the areas of the brain that are responsible for memory, orientation, balance, motor coordination, and perception.
 * Why are the receptors that bind cannabidoids important?**

causes a sometimes euphoric state along with blurred vision and judgement. distortions of space and time. hallucinations, anxiety, drepression and rapid flow of ideas, body image distortions, paranoia, and psychotic symptoms can result.
 * What does smoking THC cause?**