Nervous System

Presentation: Advil vs. Ketamine:

Ketamine: Mechanism & Effects

-Blocks NMDA receptors, increasing glutamate release and activating AMPA receptors.

- Alters pain perception by disrupting normal pain signaling.

- Enhances BDNF, mTOR, and ERK pathways, contributing to antidepressant effects.

Advil (Ibuprofen): Mechanism & Effects

- Inhibits COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, reducing prostaglandin production.

- Lowers inflammation and pain sensitivity by preventing pain signals from reaching the brain.

- May influence microglial function, affecting neuroinflammation.

Comparison & Conclusion

- Ketamine vs. Advil: Ketamine works centrally in the brain, altering pain perception, while Advil works peripherally by reducing inflammation.

Sensors:

-        Sensory receptors detect stimuli (touch, temperature, pain)

-        Motor effectors respond by initiating movement or reactions

-        Interneurons facilitate complex reflexes (ex. Touching a hot stove)

the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system:

-        Central Nervous System: Brain and spinal cord; processes and integrates information.

-       peripherally: Connects Central Nervous System to limbs and organs; also helps transmit signals

Automatic Nervous System:

-        Automatic Nervous System: controls involuntary bodily functions (heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory, digestion, etc)

-        Sympathetic Nervous System: Activates fight-or-flight responses (increased heart rate, respiration, etc)

-        Parasympathetic Nervous System: Restores Balance (slows heart rate, digestion, relaxation)

-        When you're stressed, the SNS kicks in to heighten alertness.

-        Once the stressor is gone, the PNS restores calm and normal function.

Know the functions of schwann cells, nodes of ranvier, myelin sheaths and glial cells.

-        Shwann Cells: Produce myelin in Peripheral Nervous system, aiding nerve signal transmission.

-        Nodes of Ranvier: Gaps in myelin sheath that facilitate rapid signal conduction.

-        Myelin Sheaths: Insulate axons, increasing transmission speed.

-        Glial Cells: Support neurons, maintain homeostasis, and aid in repair.

How does this action potential propagate down the axon?

-        Signal moves down the axon via saltatory conduction.

What is the function of a synapse?  How does it work?

-        A synapse is the communication hub between neurons, allowing signals to transfer from one cell to another. It plays a vital role in brain function, including thinking, learning, memory, and movement.

-        How It Works:

-        - Electrical Signal Arrival: A neuron sends an electrical impulse (action potential) down its axon toward the synapse.

-        - Neurotransmitter Release: At the synapse, the signal triggers vesicles to release neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) into the synaptic gap.

-        - Receptor Binding: Neurotransmitters cross the gap and bind to receptors on the next neuron, altering its electrical state.

-        - Signal Transmission: If the stimulation is strong enough, the receiving neuron fires a new electrical impulse, continuing the communication.

-        - Recycling or Breakdown: Excess neurotransmitters are either recycled or broken down, ensuring precise signaling.

-        most synapses in humans use chemical neurotransmitters.

Know the functions of these neurotransmitters:  Epinephrine, dopamine and serotonin.

-        Epinephrine: Increases alertness and energy

-        Dopamine: Regulates pleasure, motivation, and reward.

-        Serotonin: Controls mood, sleep, and emotional stability.

What is the basis of drug addiction?

-        Drugs alter neurotransmitter activity, reinforcing comnpulsive behavior

-        Dopamine plays a key role in addiction by creating a reward loop.