Neurobiology Flashcards
What does the medulla regulate?
Respiration
HR
BP
What does the pons regulate?
Sleep-wake cycles
What does the cerebellum regulate and coordinate?
Regulates reflexes & balance
Coordinates movement
What does the thalamus do?
Major sensory relay center
Regulates higher brain centers & PNS
What does the hypothalamus include?
Emotion
Motivation
Stress reactions
What is the hippocampus known for?
Formation of new memories
What is the amygdala known for?
Governing emotions related to self-preservation
Revved up during depression
What does the occipital lobe do?
Receives & processes visual information
Important Aspects of the Temporal Lobe
Smell Hearing Balance & equilibrium Emotion & motivation Language comprehension Complex visual processing
Important Aspects of Parietal Lobe
Sensory projection & association areas
Visual/spatial abilities
Important Aspects of the Frontal Lobe
Goal-directed behavior Concentration Emotional control & temperament Motor projection & association areas Coordinates messages from other lobes Complex problem solving Involved in many aspects of personality
Define Neurotransmitter
Chemicals that transmit messages from neuron to neuron
Common Excitatory Neurotransmitters
Acetylcholine (Ach)
Norepinephrine (NE)
Common Inhibitory Neurotransmitters
Dopamine
Serotonin
GABA
Normal Functions of Acetylcholine
Muscle action
Learning
Memory
Malfunction of Acetylcholine (not enough)
Dementia
Alzheimer’s
Normal Function of Dopamine
Movement Learning Attention Emotion Motivation Mood control Reward center
Malfunction of Dopamine
Too much: schizophrenia, hallucinations, delusions
Too little: depression, Parkinson’s
Normal Function of Serotonin
Emotion Motivation Mood Hunger Sleep General level of arousal
Malfunction of Serotonin
Not enough: depression
Too much: mania, impulsive or rash decisions
Normal Function of Norepinephrine
Alertness
Arousal
Malfunction of Norepinephrine
Not enough: depression
Normal Functions of GABA
Blocks nerve impulses
Dial down neuron activity
Not enough GABA
Lead to seizures, tremors, or insomnia
Too much Glutamate
Over stimulate the brain & could lead to seizures
What disorder is caused by an excess of dopamine?
Schizophrenia
What other neurotransmitters are associated with schizophrenia?
GABA
Glutamate
ACh
What neurotransmitter is associated with Alzheimer’s disease?
Acetylcholine
What neurotransmitters are associated with depression?
Norepinephrine
Serotonin
Dopamine
What neurotransmitters are associated with GAD?
Norepinephrine
Serotonin
What neurotransmitters are associated with ADD/ADHD?
Dopamine
Norepinephrine
What drugs can affect dopamine levels?
Amphetamines: too much
Cocaine: too little
Nicotine: excess
