3.4 - C Neurotransmitters, mood and behaviour Flashcards
(16 cards)
What is the function of endorphins
Endorphins are neurotransmitters that
stimulate neurons involved in reducing the
intensity of pain.
What do endorphins production increase in response to?
to severe injury, prolonged and continuous
exercise, stress and certain foods.
What are increased levels of endorphins linked to?
to the feelings of pleasure obtained
from activities such as eating, sex and
prolonged exercise.
What is Dopamine
is a neurotransmitter that induces
feelings of pleasure and reinforces particular
behaviour by activating the reward pathway
in the brain
What is the role of the reward pathway
The reward pathway involves neurons which secrete or respond to dopamine.
What happens when an individual engages in something benefical to them such as eating.
The reward pathway is activated when an individual engages in a behavior that is beneficial to them, for example, eating when hungry.
What are Agonists
Agonists are chemicals that bind and mimic the action of a neurotransmitter at a synapse.
What is a Antagonists
chemicals that bind to receptors blocking the action of a
neurotransmitter at a synapse.
How do some drugs enhance the effect of neurotransmitters at the synapse?
by inhibiting the enzymes that degrade neurotransmitters or by inhibiting reuptake of the neurotransmitter at the synapse, causing an enhanced effect.
What can recreational drugs do?
Act as Agonists or antagonists
How do recreational drugs influence brain function and behavior?
affect neurotransmission at synapses in the brain, altering an individual’s mood, cognition, perception, and behaviour.
How do many recreational drugs impact the brain?
affect neurotransmission in the reward pathway of the brain.
What is Drug Addiction Caused by?
repeated use of drugs that act as antagonists
How is an addiction made?
- Antagonists block specific receptors causing the nervous system to increase both the number and sensitivity of these receptors.
- This sensitisation leads to addiction where
the individual craves more of the drug.
What is Drug Tolerance caused by?
repeated use of
drugs that act as agonists.
How is a Drug tolerance made?
- Agonists stimulate specific receptors causing
the nervous system to decrease both the - number and sensitivity of these receptors.
This desensitisation leads to drug tolerance
where the individual must take more of the
drug to get an effect.
