Noradrenaline

Question 1

Explain the synthesis of noradrenaline
the storage of NA
the importance of noradrenaline

Answer 1

same as dopamine but one more step of synthesis by the monoanime oxidase into noradrenaline
noradrenaline neurones are in the Locus Coeruleus

sending signals through the sympathetic system
arousal
anxiety and
exploitation vs exploration

Question 2

What are the 4F’s and why are they important

Answer 2

Scenarios where the LC has the maximum activation
fight, flight, freeze and fornicate

important as it gives us maximal physical and sexual capabilities to deal with these circumstances which are vital for evolutionary

Question 3

What will happen if the NA level is high at inappropriate times

Answer 3

stress: sustaining high level of NA due to environmental factors
anxiety: due to irrational and uncontrollable worry (diagnosis of more than 6 months)
panic attack: short but violent of sudden high NA
random events
internal thoughts
learnt association (PTSD)

Question 4

explain the activation of the LC under different stress level

Answer 4

low stress > low activation of the LC > poor performance
high stress > high activation of the LC > stress, poor performance

Question 5

explain the activation of the LC under different decision-making scenarios

Answer 5

when two things are status-matched
tip one option
burst of NA during the decision making > short inhibition

when one thing is salient
attention to the object
higher activation of the LC
longer inhibition

when nothing is interesting
no activation of the LC for a period of time the LC activates itself
attracted by other things

Question 6

explain the research results of NA

Answer 6

pupil size is correlated with the level of NA (the higher the NA, the larger the pupil size)

NA also plays a role in cognitive decision making
- necker cube
- auditory streaming
- mind reading