Download Neuronal Transmission

P.E.T. Scan
What impact do they have
on human behavior?
What is a neuron?
Neurons
are basic cells
of the brain.
Neurons send & receive
messages
DendritesFibers that receive
Dendrite
impulse
Nucleus
Cell
Nucleus- “brain” of the cell body
Body
Axon
Synapse
Axon -tube like nerve
conductors
Synapse- small gap between
neurons. A chemical change
occurs here
Neurotransmission

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysDGX6
bOgAw
What are Neurotransmitters?

Chemicals that carry messages
throughout the brain.
 Neurotransmitters influence
 behavior
 memory
 and intelligence.
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/addiction/reward/neurontalk.html
How can neurotransmitters
affect the brain?
Serotonin affects
mood and
behavior.
 An imbalance can
result in
depression.


Prozac
supplements the
brain’s supply of
Serotonin.
How do illegal drugs impact the
brain?





LSD heightens the
effect of serotonin in
the brain.
Cocaine increases the
amount of Dopamine
Ecstasy( MDMA)
slows the breakdown
of serotonin.
http://learn.genetics.ut
ah.edu/content/addicti
on/drugs/cerebral.htm
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IMPACT OF DRUGS
MRI-COCAINE
MDMA- NEURONS
Illegal Drug Use
Physical Dependence
Psychoactive Drugs alter brain’s
chemical makeup.
 Brain produces less of these chemicals
 User must increase dose or drug to get
high

Environmental
Factors
Other Drugs:

Neuroscience