Neurobiology Flashcards
Medulla Function
Regulates respiration, heart rate, blood pressure
Pons
Regulates sleep-wake cycle
Cerebellum
Regulates reflexes and balance
Coordinates movement
Thalamus
Major sensory relay center
Regulates higher brain centers and peripheral nervous system
Hypothalamus
Emotion and motivation
Stress reaction
Limbic system and functions
Hippocampus - formation of new memories
Amygdala - governs emotions related to self-preservation
Cerebral Cortex
Occipital lobe
Temporal lobe
Parietal lobe
Occipital lobe functions
Receives and processes visual information
Temporal lobe functions
Smell
Hearing
Balance and Equilibrium
Emotion and Motivation
Some language comprehension
Complex visual processing
Parietal lobe functions
Sensory projection and association areas
Visual/spatial abilities
Frontal lobe functions
Goal-directed behaviour
Concentration
Emotional control and temperament
Motor projection and association areas
Coordinates messages from other lobes
Complex problem-solving
Involved in many aspects of personality
Common excitatory neurotransmitters
Acetylcholine (Ach)
Norepinephrine (NE)
Common Inhibitory Neurotransmitters
Dopamine
Serotonin
GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid)
Glutamate
Acetylcholine Function and Malfunction
Function: Muscle action, learning, memory
Malfunction: Dementia, Alzheimer’s
Dopamine Function and Malfunction
Function: Movement, learning, attention, emotion
- Has a lot to do with motivation and mood (minor depression)
- Plays a strong role in our rewards center
Malfunction:
- Too much = schizophrenia
- Too little = depression or Parkinson’s
Serotonin Function and Malfunction
Function: Mood, hunger, sleep, general arousal level
-Major player in depression
Malfunction:
- Too much = mania
- Not enough = depression
Norepinephrine Function and Malfunction
Function: Alertness, arousal
Malfunction: not enough = depression
NE has less to do with emotions than serotonin
GABA Basic Functions
Inhibitory - blocks nerve impulses
If not enough = seizures, tremors, or insomnia
GABA helps to dial down brain overactivity
Glutamate Basic Functions
Excitatory
Too much would over-stimulate the brain and could lead to seizures
Neurotransmitter involved in Schizophrenia
Excess dopamine
GABA, glutamate, and ACh may also be associated
Neurotransmitters involved in Alzheimer’s disease
Acetylcholine
Neurotransmitters involved in Depression
Norepinephrine
Serotonin
Dopamine
Neurotransmitters involved in Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Norepinephrine
Serotonin
- often treated well by drugs that increase serotonin
- pts with anxiety often don’t have depression
Neurotransmitters involved in ADD/ADHD
Dopamine
Norepinephrine
Amphetamines effect on Dopamine
Cause the release of dopamine
May cause psychosis with a high dose
Cocaine effect of Dopamine
Inhibits uptake of dopamine
Causes a huge release of catecholamines
-isn’t related to psychosis
Nicotine effect on Dopamine
Stimulates release of dopamine and glutamate
Increases release of dopamine causes a rewards cycle
-more dopamine required as the addiction persists
