What is novichok and how does it work?
Nerve agent
Inhibits the enzymatic degradation of acetylcholine so it stays active in the synapse and disrupts normal synaptic neurotransmission
What part of the body does pain initiate?
The spinal cord
What part of the brain does an evolutionary threat initiate?
The sensorimotor mid brain
What part of the brain does a learned threat initiate?
The cortex and limbic system
What are some examples of specific functions carried out by specific structures? (5)
- Energy balance
- Fluid balance
- Temperature regulation
- Defence
- Reproduction
Give an example of an area of the brain that controls a specific function
Sensorimotor function, control of eye movement
The midbrain superior colliculus
Give some examples of generic functions carried out by generic systems (4)
- Sensorimotor calibration/skill
- Episodic memory
- Selection/attention
- Reinforcement
What are 3 examples of generic processing systems?
- The cerebellum
- The hippocampus
- The basal ganglia
What are some forms of treatment for novichok poisoning?
- Atropine- an ACh receptor blocker
- Drugs which re-activate AChE
- Life-support
What are the characteristics of systems with generic functions?
Repeating micro-architecture
Process information received from regions performing widely differing functions
