Download Actions of NT Worksheet

Action of Neurotransmitters
Name: ____________________________________
Use the online reference “Neurotransmitter Chart page 1 and page 2” from the webpage
to complete the following chart & questions. Follow through these questions to help you
understand how neurotransmitters work.
Acetylcholine (Ach)
1. This NT is _________________ to skeletal muscles. This means that when the NT is
released, it will cause a signal to go to the muscles causing them to ________________.
When the NT is removed from the synapse, the muscles will then __________________.
2. Nerve gas and organophosphate insecticides prolong the effects by leaving the NT in
the receptors. This means the muscles will have continued
____________________________ causing seizure like activity.
3. Botulinus toxin (Botox) _____________________ the release of the NT causing the
muscles to be unable to _____________________. Botox removes wrinkles by paralyzing
the muscles.
4. Ach levels __________________________ in certain brain areas in Alzheimer’s disease.
Explain briefly how this might affect the movements of someone with Alzheimers.
Biogenic Amines
1. Norepinephrine - This NT is known as a “___________________________” NT. Its release
is enhanced by amphetamines. What symptoms might this cause in a person under
the influence of amphetamines? Circle ALL possible choices.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Excitement
Increased confidence
Increased depression
Lethargy
Lower heart rate
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.
Pupil constriction
Pupil dilation
Raised pulse
Restlessness
Talkative
2. Dopamine - This NT is also known as a “___________________________” NT.
a. Its reuptake (removal from synapse) is blocked by cocaine. What
symptoms might this cause in a person under the influence of cocaine?
Circle all possible choices.
1. Increased depression
7. Lethargy
2. Talkative
8. Pupil constriction
3. Unsocial behavior
9. Hypothermia
4. Hyperthermia
10. Increased confidence
5. Pupil dilation
11. Decreased sensation of
6. Inability to sit still
pain
b. It is deficient in someone with Parkinson’s disease? What might this deficit
cause? Circle all possible choices.
1. Increased depression
5. Inability to sit still
2. Talkative
6. Euphoria
3. Stiff, achy muscles
7. Increased confidence
4. Soft monotonous speech
8. Fearful
3. Serotonin – This NT is blocked in someone under the influence of LSD. List 3 possible
symptoms this might cause in someone under the influence of LSD.
a. ____________________________________________________________________
b. ____________________________________________________________________
c. ____________________________________________________________________
Amino Acids
1. GABA – principal ______________________ neurotransmitter in brain. These effects are
augmented by alcohol and anti-anxiety medicine.
a. What does this word mean? ________________________________________________.
b. What types of inhibitory effects can be seen in a person under the influence of
alcohol? List 3 symptoms/effects.
i. ____________________________________________________________________
ii. ____________________________________________________________________
iii. ____________________________________________________________________
2. Glycine – Strychnine ___________________ glycine receptors. This means that glycine
cannot bind to the receptors and so will have no effect. Glycine is generally
______________________________ in action so, when blocked, muscles cannot relax
which leads to __________________________________________________ and
__________________________________________________.
Peptides
1. Endorphins – Natural _____________________.
a. What is morphine used for in medicine? _________________________________
b. Would a police officer have trouble subduing someone who is under the
influence of heroin? Explain your answer.