Exam 3 Study Guide - Semester Review

Flashcards based on the key concepts and vocabulary from the exam study guide to help with revision.

Nicotine

A compound found in tobacco that has stimulating effects on the central nervous system.

Nicotinic receptor agonists

Compounds that activate nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, being studied for potential treatments for diseases like Alzheimer's.

Cognitive symptoms

Non-physical effects such as attentional deficits, often observed during nicotine withdrawal.

Caffeine

A central nervous system stimulant that blocks adenosine receptors, promoting wakefulness and alertness.

Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

The primary psychoactive component of cannabis responsible for its euphoric effects.

Adenosine receptors

Receptors that mediate sleep and drowsiness; blocked by caffeine to reduce fatigue.

Endocannabinoids

Naturally occurring compounds in the body that interact with cannabinoid receptors.

Monoamine hypothesis of depression

The theory that depression is linked to a deficiency in monoamine neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and norepinephrine.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

A class of antidepressants that block the reuptake of serotonin, increasing its availability sinapses.

Bipolar disorder

A mood disorder characterized by periods of depression and mania.

Parkinson's Disease

A neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor symptoms such as tremors and rigidity due to the loss of dopamine-producing neurons.

Alzheimer’s Disease

A progressive neurodegenerative disorder marked by memory loss, confusion, and cognitive decline, associated with amyloid plaques and tau tangles.

Amyloid plaques

Protein deposits that accumulate in the brains of Alzheimer's patients, disrupt cell function.

Cortisol

A stress hormone that may be abnormally high in conditions like PTSD.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

A therapeutic method that helps patients change negative thought patterns to improve emotional regulation and develop personal coping strategies.

Substance use disorder

A condition characterized by an individual's inability to control their use of a substance despite harmful consequences.

Withdrawal symptoms

Physical and mental symptoms that occur after reducing or stopping substance use, as seen with nicotine and alcohol.

Cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2)

Receptors in the body that mediate the effects of cannabinoids; CB1 is mainly found in the CNS.

Catatonic schizophrenia

A subtype of schizophrenia characterized by extreme motor disturbances and rigidity.

Neuroleptics (antipsychotics)

Medications used to treat symptoms of psychosis by blocking dopamine receptors.