#5 u3aos1 - the gut-brain axis GBA (ch4b) Flashcards
enteric nervous system
3 marks
a subdivison of the autonomic nervous system
controls the digestive system
as it consists of nerve cells lining the gastrointestinal tract.
gastrointestinal tract (gut)
2 marks
passageway of the digestive system
from the mouth to the anus
gut-brain-axis (GBA)
4 marks
connection that exists between the enteric nervous system (ENS)
and central nervous system (CNS)
it enables the bidirectional (two-way) communication between the brain and the gut
two ways the Enteric nervous system (ENS) and central nervous system (CNS) communicate
2 marks
vagus nerve
gut microbiota
which direction does the messages send to the most between the ENS and CNS
1 mark
afferent directions for sensory information.
vagus nerve
2 marks
connects the brain stem to organs within the autonomic nervous system
examples of organs that the vagus nerve connects to the brain stem
4 marks
- heart
- lungs
- stomach
- intestinal tract
relation between ENS and vagus nerve
4 marks
vagus nerve carries sensory information from the gut to the brain
vagus nerve carries motor information from the brain to the gut
examples of motor messages that the brain would signal the gut to do
when hungry and an individual can smell food:
- intiating salivation
- gastric acid secretion
gut microbiota
2 marks
microorganisms present in an individuals
gastrointestinal tract
examples of microorganisms
3 marks
fungi
virus
bacteria
functions of gut microbiota
4 marks
- assists in the digestion of food to provide us with energy + nutrients
- production of neurotransmitters such as:
GABA
serotonin (90% found in gut)
dopamine - regulation of immune system functioning
- INFLUENCING PSYCHOLOGICAL PROCESSES + BEHAVIOUR
one way gut microbiota communicates to the brain
1 mark
vagus nerve
Microbes Connecting the Gut and Brain
5 marks
- microbes interact with cells in the gut wall called enteroendocrine cells.
- enteroendocrine cells produce neuroactive molecules
- neuroactive molecules interact with the vagus nerve.
- vagus nerve sends signals to the brain
emerging research on gut microbiota show that it influences…
4 marks
- stress responsiveness
- anxiety
- depression
deficiences in gut microbiota = higher chance of anxiety and depression
key findings from emerging research on the bidirectional link between gut microbiota and stress.
4 marks
- exposure to chronic stress (associated with prolonged release of cortisol) can change our gut microbiota composition
- composition of our gut microbe population can shape our responsiveness to stress
- treatment with ‘healthy’ gut microbiota can reduce stress responsiveness
ways to improve gut microbiome
7 marks
(any three out of the 7 should do)
- consume prebiotics
- consume probiotics
- exercise regularly
- maintain good sleeping habits
- socialise more or get a pet
- reduce stress
- get a gecal transplant
probiotic
3 marks
supplements that contain living microorganisms that improve the good bacteria in the body
prebiotic
2 marks
foods that fuel the microbiota in the body
psychobiotics
4 marks
living bacteria that
when digested
results to good mental health
by interacting with the microbiota in an individuals body
antibiotics
2 marks
medicine
that destroys microorganisms
