The Effects Of Neurotransmitters

Question 1

What are endorphins?

Answer 1

Endorphins are neurotransmitters that stimulate neurons involved in reducing the intensity of pain

Question 2

What do endorphin productions increase in response to?

Answer 2

Endorphin productions increase in response to continuous exercise, stress, certain foods or severe injury

Question 3

What are increased levels of endorphins linked to?

Answer 3

Prolonged exercise, eating or sex ( feeling of pleasure )

Question 4

What is the function of dopamine?

Answer 4

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that induces feelings of pleasure and reinforces behaviour by activating the reward pathway of the brain

Question 5

What is the reward pathway?

Answer 5

The reward pathway involves neurons which secrete or respond to dopamine.

Question 6

How is the reward pathway activated?

Answer 6

The reward pathway is activated when an individual engages in behaviour that is beneficial to them. For example eating when hungry

Question 7

What are the two types of drugs used to treat neurotransmitter disorders?

Answer 7

Agonists and Antagonists

Question 8

What are agonists?

Answer 8

Agonists are chemicals that bind to and stimulate specific receptors, mimicking the action of a neurotransmitter at a synapse.

Question 9

What are antagonists?

Answer 9

Antagonists are chemicals that bind to specific receptors, blocking the action of a neurotransmitter at a synapse

Question 10

What is the difference between agonists and antagonists?

Answer 10

They both bind to specific receptors, however agonists mimic the action of neurotransmitters, whereas antagonists block neurotransmitters at a synapse

Question 11

How can other drugs affect neurotransmitters?

Answer 11

Other drugs can act either by inhibiting the enzymes that degrade neurotransmitters
Or by inhibiting reuptake of the neurotransmitter at the synapse, causing an enhanced effect of neurotransmitters.