Alcohol

Question 1

Methyl

Answer 1

Poisonous form of alcohol

Question 2

Isopropyl

Answer 2

Rubbing alcohol

Question 3

Ethyl

Answer 3

Drinking alcohol

Question 4

How is brain function impaired by alcohol

Answer 4

An imbalance between inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitters is caused by the consumption of alcohol

Question 5

Alcohol’s Effects on Glutamate

Answer 5

Glutamate is inhibited and less effective at the NMDA receptors. This results in loss of memory and spatial awareness

NMDA receptors are created over time to account for this which can lead to withdrawal symptoms of excess glutamate.

Question 6

Alcohol’s Effects on Glutamate

Answer 6

Increases GABA activity

Neuroadaptive mechanisms to reduce GABA show initial tolerance to alcohol and withdrawal symptoms when not consuming alcohol

Question 7

Alcohol’s Effects on Dopamine

Answer 7

Increase in dopamine levels

Chronic effects show reduced firing rate in dopaminergic system, release, and metabolism. Once dependent on alcohol, doesn’t feel as good.

Question 8

Alcohol’s Effects on Opioids

Answer 8

Increase in indogenous opioid synthesis and release.

Neuroadaptive decrease in endorphin levels. This leads to dysphoria (dissatisfaction with life)

Question 9

What is the rate of alcohol metabolism

Answer 9

1 drink per hour

Question 10

Describe where alcohol is metabolized

Answer 10

10% of alcohol is broken down in the stomach. The rest enters the small intestine where it is absorbed into the blood stream. Alcohol is then metabolized in the liver.

Question 11

Describe how alcohol is metabolized

Answer 11

Alcohol is broken down by alcohol dehydrogenase into acetaldehyde. The alcohol is then broken down by acetaldehyde dehydrogenase into acetic acid. Acetic acid is broken down by oxidation into water and CO2.

Question 12

Area Prostema

Answer 12

Located on dorsal surface of medulla oblongata (right before spinal cord) that causes us to vomit if it detects toxic levels of alcohol

Question 13

Alcohol and White Matter

Answer 13

Frequent consumption of alcohol results in deterioration of white matter

Question 14

Fermentation

Answer 14

When microscopic yeast cells fall on a product containing sugar. The yeast converts the sugar into alcohol

Question 15

Distillation

Answer 15

Once alcohol percentage reaches about 15% the alcohol is distilled in order to reach higher concentrations.

Question 16

Blood Alcohol Concentration

Answer 16

The basis of how alcohol affects our behaviour

Question 17

Pyloric Sphincter

Answer 17

Muscle that regulates movement of alcohol from stomach to small intestine

Question 18

Cytochrome P450 family

Answer 18

Second class liver enzymes that convert alcohol to acetaldehyde

Question 19

CYP 2E1

Answer 19

Important enzyme that metabolizes many drugs as well as alcohol. Its why so many people get messed up if people drink and do drugs because both the drugs and alcohol have to share

Question 20

Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome

Answer 20

Characterized by confusion, disorientation and memory loss. Result of heavy drinking

Question 21

Acute Tolerance

Answer 21

Occurs within singles exposure

Question 22

Induction

Answer 22

Increase in enzymes in response to constant alcohol consumtption