Neurotransmitters, mood and behaviour

Question 1

What are endorphins?

Answer 1

Neurotransmitters that stimulate neurones invbolved in reducing the intensity of pain

Question 2

What are the signs of high levels of endorphins?

Answer 2

euphphoric feelings, appetite modulation and the release of sex hormones

Question 3

What does dopamine do?

Answer 3

Induces the feeling of pleasure and reinforces behaviour in the reward pathway

Question 4

What do agonists do?

Answer 4

Bind to and strimulate receptors on the membrane of postsynaptic neurones mimicking the neurotransmitter

Question 5

What do antagonists do?

Answer 5

They bind to receptors on the post synaptic membrane blocking the action of the neurotransmitter and reducing or halting transmission of nerve impulses

Question 6

What do recreatrional drugs do?

Answer 6

They mimic neurotransmitters, they can imitate the action of a neurotransmitter, block their binding

Question 7

What is sensitisation?

Answer 7

An increase in the number and sensitivity of receptors which results from exposure to antagonist drugs and leads to addiction

Question 8

What is desensitisation?

Answer 8

A decrease in the number and sensitivity of receptors which results from exposure to agonist drugs and leads to drug tolerance