HEALTH STUDIES 162 EXAM 1

Homeostasis

Maintenance of internal stability often biochemical

Hormones

Chemical messengers released into the blood by glands

Neurons

Specialized nerve cells that make up the Nervous system and release neurotransmitters

Glia

Supporting cells that are ciritical for protecting and providing sustenance to the neurons

Axon

Extension of the neuronal cell body along which electrochemical signals travel

Receptors

Special proteins in a membrane that are activated by natural substance to drugs to alter cell function

Genetics

Study of cellular DNA and its functions

Molecular Biology

Study of cellular functions and their regulations

Synapse

Site of communication between a message-sending neuron and its message-receiving target cell

Dendrites

Short branches of neurons that receive transmitter signal

Opiate receptors

Receptors activated by opioid narcotic drugs like heroine and morphine

Endorphins

Neurotransmitters that have narcotic like effect causing mild euphoria, blockage of pain, slow respiration, and anti stress. Known as the body’s own opiates

Serotonin

An inhibitory neurotransmitter thats responsible for sleep, relaxation, and sedation. It is influenced by SD and ecstasy (MDMA)

Anadamine

An inhibitory neurotransmitter responsible for relaxation and increased sense of well being. It is influenced by THC and spice active ingredients

Cannaboid system

Receptors activated by tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in marijuana

Anandamine

Naturally occurring fatty-acid neurotransmitter that selectively actives cannabinoid receptors

Agonistic

Type of substance that activates a receptor\

Nicotinic

Receptor type activated by acetylcholine

Muscarinic

Receptor type activated by acetylcholine usually inhibitory

Sympathomimetics

Agents that mimic the effects of norepinephrine or epinephrine

Nucleus accumbens

Part of the CNS limbic system and critical brain region for reward systems

Anabolic Steroids

Compounds chemically similar to steroids that stimulate production of tissue mass

Androgens

Male sex hormones

Psychoactive drugs

Drugs that affect mood or alter the state of consciousness

Synaptic cleft

A minute ago between a neuron and target cell across which neurotransmitters travel

Dendrites

Short branches of neurons that receive transmitter signals

What two affects may a drug have on a receptor when interaction occurs?

Agonistic or antagonistic

Catecholamines

Agents that mimic th effects of epinephrine and norepinephrine

There are two types of cells int he brain, the neuron and the ______.

Glia

⛳ Endorphins vs serotonin vs Anandamide

Endorphins: a neurotransmitter with an inhibitory effect causing mild euphoria , blockage of pain, slow respiration, and anti stress; known as body’s opiates

Serotonin: inhibitory neurotransmitter responsible fro sleep, relaxation, and sedation. Influenced by LSD and ecstasy (MDMA)

Anandamide: inhibitory neurotransmitter responsible for relaxation and increased sense of well being. Influenced by THC and spice active ingredients

How is the Reticular Activity System influenced by drugs of abuse and describe the characteristics of it.

• This system controls that brains state of arousal (sleep vs awake).

• It is sensitive to LSD, potent stimulants (cocaine, amphetamines), CNS depressants (alcohol and benzodiazepines)

• Norepinephrine and Acetylcholine are important: increase levels of it = activation, drugs blocking AcH or Norepinephrine will suppress this system causing sleepiness

How is the Basal Ganglia System influenced by drugs of abuse and describe the characteristics of it.

• This system is the primary centers for all involuntary and fine tuned motor function (ie posture and muscle tone) having primary control of motor abilities and control of mental state both rely heavy on activity of dopamine releasing neurons

• Drugs that alter dopamine usually alter metal state and motor abilities. Drugs that affect dopamine activity usually alter both systems and if administered daily over several years, problems with motor functioning may become permanent . Drugs of abuse (stimulants) increase dopamine activity causing enhanced motor activity and psychotic behavior

How is the Hypothalamus influenced by drugs of abuse and describe the characteristics of it.

• This system integrates information and is the CNS control center for ANS and other support functions like cardiovascular activity, hormone release, temp, and appetite regulation. It is the primary point of contact between nervous & endocrine systems

• Maintains homeostasis, so any drug that alters homeostasis will alter the hypothalamus

• Catecholamine transmitters - regulate the function of the hypothalamus

• Most drugs that alter the activity to norepinephrine and dopamine are likely to alter activity of this brain structure

Describe the process of sending messages by neurons

Why are may athletes (and non athletes) attracted to androgens? What are the hormones positive and negative side effects?

+) The drugs are abused to enhance performance, build muscle to train harder, increase alertness, endurance and reflexes, decrease fatigue, rapid weight loss, and increase muscle mass and amount.

-) Muscle tears, ligamental tears, limbic system dysfunction

How could damage to the frontal cortex of the brain be associated with drug abuse?

Psychoactive drugs disrupt the normal functioning of memory storage, control of complex behaviors, and processing of information ➡ interferes with ability to effectively and rationally deal with complex issues ➡ bizarre and inappropriate behavior ➡ violence and criminal behavior

Describe the difference between an agonist and antagonist drug.

Agonist: substance that activates a receptor - mimics effect of a NT that is naturally produced by the body and interacts with receptor to cause cellular change. Narcotic drugs are a agonist that mimic the natural endorphins and activates opiate receptors

Antagonist: substance that blocks a receptor - inhibits the sequence of metabolic evens that a natural substance/agonist drug can stimulate, usually without initiating an effect itself. Naloxone (treats heroin overdose) blocks effect of narcotic drugs and the effects of natural endorphins

Nicotine

Alkoid that is one of more than 7,000 chemicals derived from tobacco plant, found in cigarette smoke

Environmental tobacco smoke

Another name of second hand smoke

Snuff

Finely grounded smokeless tobacco which can be moist or dry, commonly placed between gum and cheek

Vaping

Inhalation and exhalation of vapor produced by e-cig or similar device

Bupropion

Acts as both an antidepressant and is used as an aid in smoking cessation

What are the three deleterious consequences of cigarette smoking

Cancer, CVD, Bronchopulmonary disease

Identify three factors that determine the amount of nicotine absorbed into the body

1. The amount consumed/inhaled and the number smoked a day

2. Exact composition of tobacco

3. How densely tobacco is placed and length of cigarette smoked

Identify and discuss three kinds of smoking cessation aids

1. Prescription nasal nicotine spray and inhalers, and lozenges - rapidly deliverable methods through the mucous membranes, inhaler containing nicotine plug, or pill to receive nicotine . Only the spray and inhaler are prescribed in the United States.

2. Nicotine patches - worn on skin and releases a continuous flow of small doses of nicotine to satisfy the desire for cigarettes

3. Prescription nicotine drugs (bupropion) and varenicline - Varenicline acts at the receptor in the brain affected by nicotine with side effects of nausea, vomiting, difficulty sleeping, and constipation. Bupropion aids in abstaining from smoking by acting at brain receptors and acts as an anti-depressant with side effects of irregular heart beat, changes in behavior, and seizures.