CHP2: Nervous system functioning (D-E) AOS1

Question 1

Receptor

Answer 1

Proteins that recognise and respond to chemicals and signals.

Question 2

Neurotransmitter

Answer 2

Neurotransmitter is a chemical substance that carries a message to other neurons or cells in muscles, organs or other tissue.

Question 3

What are the two effects that neurotransmitters can have?

Answer 3

To excite the post-synaptic neuron to fire;

To inhibit the post-synaptic neuron from firing;

Question 4

Excitatory effect

Answer 4

When a neurotransmitter causes the postsynaptic neuron to become more likely to fire an action potential.

Question 5

Inhibitory effect

Answer 5

When a neurotransmitter causes the postsynaptic neuron to become less likely to fire an action potential.

Question 6

Action potential

Answer 6

The neural message, in the form of an electrical impulse, sent down the axon of a neuron when certain conditions are met.

Question 7

Glutamate

Answer 7

The primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. It is essential for movement thought, learning, and memory. An insufficiency of glutamate in the brain will result in difficulty with learning and concentration. Too much glutamate can cause over-excitation, damaging neurons and potentially leading to nervous system dysfunction (e.g. seizures).

Question 8

GABA

Answer 8

The primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. GABA works to regulate and balance brain function and is essential for motor control, vision, and decreasing anxiety. Without the inhibitory effect of GABA, there would be an uncontrolled activation of postsynaptic neurons. Too much GABA can cause an increase in anxiety, and a tingling of extremities.

Question 9

How do neurotransmitter interruptions (dysfunction) occur?

Answer 9

Naturally occurring or self-induced (e.g. through alcohol and drugs, diet and nutrition, stress, or genetics);

Question 10

Why is having the right levels of neurotransmitters released in the body without interference important?

Answer 10

Having the right levels of neurotransmitters released in the body without interference is vital for optimal nervous system functioning.

Question 11

What causes Parkinson’s disease?

Answer 11

Parkinson’s is described asidiopathic, which means ‘having no known cause’.

Question 12

Parkinson’s disease

Answer 12

A progressive, neurodegenerative disease of the nervous system characterised by both motor and non-motor symptoms when there is a deficiency of dopamine-producing cells in the substantia nigra, in the basal ganglia of the midbrain.

Question 13

Dopamine

Answer 13

A neurotransmitter primarily responsible for the coordination of voluntary movement and experiences of pleasure and pain.

Question 14

List the 4 key diagnostic motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease

Answer 14

Tremours, muscle rigidity, slowness of voluntary movement (bradykinesia), and postural instability;

Question 15

List 3 non-motor symptoms

Answer 15

Fatigue, mental health problems (e.g. depression due to the detrimental impacts on lifestyle and the effects of reduced dopamine), and decrease sense of smell (anosmia);

Question 16

Where is dopamine produced

Answer 16

The neuronal loss and damage characteristic of Parkinson’s disease occurs in a region of
the brain called the substantia nigra. The substantia nigra is located in the basal ganglia
in the midbrain. It is this region of the brain that coordinates voluntary movement and
regulates experiences of reward and pleasure. When neurons in this area are damaged,
there is consequently a decrease in dopamine production.

Question 17

Levodopa

Answer 17

Those that can beconverted into dopamineby neurons. It works by being converted to dopamine in the brain.

Question 18

Carbidopa

Answer 18

Mimics the role of dopamineand are able to effectively stimulate reception of dopamine by neurons within crucial motor areas by causing neurons to react as they would to dopamine.