UW BIOL UNIT 4 DEPRESSANTS REVIEW

Analgesia

Stopping pain.

Analgesic

Drug that stops pain.

Prostaglandin

Lipid produced as a result of pain/stress.

Substance P

Protein released when pain is detected.

Opiate

Depressant from the poppy plant.

Acetyl group

Methyl group + carbon group, easier to cross the blood-brain barrier.

Methyl group

A group of CH3 that indicates how potent a group is.

Hyperpolarization

Neuron inside becomes more negative.

GABA

Inhibitory neurotransmitter that opens chloride channels.

Chloride GABA receptor

GABA binds and chloride flows in, making the neuron more negative inside.

Chloride channel

Channel that allows chloride to go in/out.

Endorphin

Reduces pain by binding to opiate receptors.

Opiate receptor

Protein where endorphins and opiates bind to cause depressed/pain relief.

Alcohol/Ethanol

Depressant; alcohol is a type of ethanol.

Methanol

A type of ethanol that should not be consumed.

Isopropanol

A type of ethanol used as a disinfectant.

Cirrhosis

Severe liver damage often due to excessive drinking.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)

Condition resulting from alcohol consumption during pregnancy, leading to deformities and development issues.

Vasodilation

Constriction of blood vessels, making it harder to pump blood.

Diuretic

Substance that increases urination.

Lipid bilayer (membrane)

Structure that molecules cross to enter or exit the cell.

Channel

Protein that allows free movement of molecules across the membrane.

Action potential

Electrical signal characterized by high positive voltage.

D2DR

Dopamine D2 receptor.

Aldehyde

Organic compound with a carbonyl group.

Aldehyde dehydrogenase

Enzyme that converts aldehyde to acetate.

Marijuana

Depressant also known as weed or cannabis.

Cannabinoid

Substance that interacts with cannabinoid receptors.

Cannabinoid receptor (CB1 and CB2)

Receptors where cannabinoids bind.

Endogenous cannabinoid (endocannabinoid)

Cannabinoid ligand produced within the body.

Anandamide

Endocannabinoid that typically binds to CB1 receptors.

Phytocannabinoid

Cannabinoids derived from plants.

Placebo

A treatment with no active therapeutic effect.

Hippocampus

Brain region involved in memory.

Brain stem

Part of the brain that controls non-thinking functions such as breathing and heart rate.

Cerebellum

Brain region responsible for balance and fine motor movements.

Cerebral cortex

The outer layer of the brain involved in complex functions.