Final: Your Brain on Pot

Question 1

endocannabinoid system

Answer 1

unique communication system that affects important functions to maintain overall health and sense of wellbeing

Question 2

cannabinoid receptors

Answer 2

protein molecule that binds a chemical signal (receptors are locks and cannabinoids are keys)

Question 3

CB1 receptor

Answer 3

largely located in brain and peripheral nervous system (higher abundance

Question 4

CB2

Answer 4

largely located in immune system, implicated in inflammation and pain

Question 5

retrograde transmission

Answer 5

when postsynaptic neuron is activated, endocannabinoids are made and attached to receptors on presynaptic neuron which inhibits release of inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitters

Question 6

inhibitory neuron (GABA-ergic)

Answer 6

down-regulation causes excitation, increased activity

Question 7

excitatory neuron (glutamate)

Answer 7

down-regulation causes inhibition, decreased activity and protection from excitotoxicity

Question 8

neuroplasticity

Answer 8

able to change their strength as a result of own activity or activity in another pathway

Question 9

intrinsic mechanisms

Answer 9

changes in strength of a synapse that are brought about by its own activity

Question 10

extrinsic plasticity

Answer 10

change in strength of a synapse brought about by activity in another pathway

Question 11

anandamide (endogenous)

Answer 11

regulating emotions/mood, cognition, memory, appetite, pain, immune functions

Question 12

2-AG (arachidonoylglycerol) (endogenous)

Answer 12

strong implications for inhibition of neuro inflammation

Question 13

THC (exogenous)

Answer 13

psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis, CB1 receptor binding by THC = high

Question 14

cannabidiol (CBD)

Answer 14

CBD is able to change the shape of a receptor in a way that there is less THC binding and less activation of the CB1 receptor

Question 15

cannabinol (CBN)

Answer 15

works via cb2 receptors and decreases inflammation

Question 16

THC binding

Answer 16

THC strongly binds to all available receptors with slower breakdown and can overwhelm the endocannabinoid system (causing Euphoria) and hindering other processes of the ECS

Question 17

THC chronic effects

Answer 17

loss of cb1 receptors can lead to reduced bloodflow and oxygen levels which leads to attention deficits, impaired learning, and memory loss