BIO 007 Neuroglia and Neurotransmitters (neuroglia - drugs)

neuroglia

“nerve glue”, nourish and support neurons

microglial cells

phagocytose bacteria and cellular debris, bloodborne immune cells have limited access to CNS

oligodendrocytes

provide insulating myelin sheath around axons in CNS

schwann cells

provide insulating myelin sheath around axons in Peripheral nervous system (PNS)

astrocytes

found between blood vessels and neurons of CNS, regulate nutrient flow

astrocytes have blood brain barrier where

chemicals flowing into brain are highly regulated

satellite cells

control chemical environment and nutrient flow to neurons of PNS

ependymal cells

produces cerebrospinal fluid in CNS

synapse

gap between neuron and another cell

presynaptic neuron

neuron sending info

postsynaptic neuron

neuron receiving info

synaptic transmission

sending message across the synapse

neurotransmitters

chemical signals that travel across synapse to relay info

neurotransmitters released from

synaptic vessels in the synaptic knobs of axons

neurotransmitters diffuse across

synaptic cleft

neurotransmitter stimulation

can be excitatory or inhibitory

adrenaline

fight-or-flight, stress-physical boost

noradrenaline

fight-or-flight, stress-heightened awareness

dopamine

pleasure, motivation - repeat behaviors

serotonin

mood, happiness - regular sleep, exercise, light exposure

endorphins

euphoria, pain relief - exercise, excitement

cocaine

causes large release of dopamine

heroin

mimics endorphins

caffeine

blocks natural sleep response, stimulates production of adrenaline and dopamine

nicotine

increases dopamine

ecstasy (methylenedioxy-methamphetamine)

excessive release of serotonin

marijuana

norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin, GABA (tetrahydrocannabinol, THC)