Unit 1 - LAA4 - Neurochemistry

Question 1

Describe the function of the endocrine system, what does it consist of?

Answer 1

A communication system within our body that controls the release of hormones into our blood stream.
The endocrine system consists of a series of glands.

Question 2

What is a gland ? Provide an example.

Answer 2

A group of cells that produce hormones (or other substances) and secrete them into the bloodstream.
An example of a gland is the pituitary gland.

Question 3

Explain what hormones are and provide an example of two.

Answer 3

Hormones are chemical messengers released by glands into the blood and carried to the target organ/organs.
Adrenaline , Cortisol.

Question 4

What is a neurotransmitter ? Where are they found? Provide an example of two.

Answer 4

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers within the brain that allow neurons to communicate with eachother throughout the body.
Serotonin , Dopamine.

Question 5

Explain the function of the neurotransmitter dopamine, what mental disorders can this be linked to?

Answer 5

Dopamine plays a significant role in memory, mood, motivation and movement.
Dopamine can be linked to Addiction or Schizophrenia.

Question 6

Explain the function of the neurotransmitter serotonin, what mental disorder can this be linked to?

Answer 6

Serotonin plays a significant role in mood regulation, emotional wellbeing, sleep, appetite, and cognitive functions.
Serotonin can be linked to Depression, Anxiety and OCD.

Question 7

What levels of serotonin are associated with depression?

Answer 7

Low levels of serotonin are associated with depression.

Question 8

Define what an inhibitory neurotransmitter is and give an example.

Answer 8

A type of neurotransmitter that reduces the electrical activity of a neuron.
Serotonin stabilises our mood as normal levels dampen brain activity.

Question 9

Define what an excitatory neurotransmitter is and give an example.

Answer 9

A type of neurotransmitter that stimulates neurons in order to make them active.
Noradrenaline.

Question 10

What neurotransmitter is excitatory in one area of the brain and inhibitory in another?

Answer 10

Dopamine.

Question 11

Explain the function of noradrenaline.

Answer 11

Noradrenaline is a neurotransmitter in the brain that is responsible for the body’s fight or flight stress response.

Question 12

Define stress

Answer 12

The body’s biological and psychological response to a perceived threat (stressor).

Question 13

State the two different types of stress and what they are associated with, provide an example for both.

Answer 13

• Acute stress: ‘short-term’ sources of stress, nearly getting into a car accident.
• Chronic stress: ‘long-term’ sources of stress, going through a divorce.

Question 14

What system is associated with acute stress?

Answer 14

SAM system.

Question 15

What system is associated with chronic stress?

Answer 15

HPA system.

Question 16

Explain the process of the SAM system – response to acute stress.

Answer 16

1. A stressor is perceived.
2. The hypothalamus in the brain activates the sympathetic nervous system.
3. Signals are sent to the adrenal medulla (centre of the adrenal gland).
4. The adrenal medulla secretes the stress hormone adrenaline in response to the stressor.
5. This is also known as the ‘fight or flight’ response.
6. Once the stressor has gone, the parasympathetic nervous system reverses these changes and brings us back to a calm state.

Question 17

What effects does acute stress have on the body?

Answer 17

• Dilation of pupils
• Muscle tension.
• Increased heart rate.
• Stored glycogen is converted to glucose.
• Inhibits urination.
• Inhibits saliva production.

Question 18

Explain the process of the HPA system – response to chronic stress.

Answer 18

1. Repeated exposure to a stressor occurs.
2. The hypothalamus activates the pituitary gland
3. This causes the adrenal cortex (outer part of the adrenal gland) to secrete the stress hormone cortisol which allows the body to maintain constant steady supplies of blood sugar, spiking our glucose levels.
4. Allows long term energy to deal with the stressor, but can have negative effects on the immune system.

Question 19

What effects does chronic stress have on the body?

Answer 19

• Helps maintain steady supply of blood sugars, spikes our glucose levels.
• Decreased immune system.
• Can lead to heart disease.

Question 20

In the SAM system (acute stress), signals are sent to the adrenal ______, which then secretes the hormone _______ .

Answer 20

Medulla, Adrenaline.

Question 21

In the HPA system (chronic stress), signals are sent to the adrenal ______, which then secretes the hormone _______ .

Answer 21

Cortex, Cortisol.

Question 22

What does reductionism mean ?

Answer 22

Reducing complex behaviours down into simple basic units.

Question 23

How can our understanding of neurochemistry be reductionist? Provide an example.

Answer 23

It reduces complex behaviour such as depression down to an imbalance of the neurotransmitter dopamine.

Question 24

What does reductionism neglect ? Provide an example from neurochemistry

Answer 24

A reductionist approach neglects the holistic approach which considers external, psychological factors within an individuals life such as stress or trauma.

Question 25

Why are practical applications considered a strength within neurochemistry?

Answer 25

Our understanding of neurochemistry has practical applications as you can apply the information to a real life context.

Question 26

Provide an example of how neurochemistry can have practical applications.

Answer 26

Addisons disease is associated with the inability to produce cortisol.
This means that the individual is unable to use stored energy to control the bodily reactions, leading to life threatening effect’s such as abnormal heart rhythm.
Introducing Drug therapy such as cortisol replacement therapy can reduce these harmful effects.
Therefore our understanding of neurochemistry, in particular hormones, can be used in the real world to manage Addison’s disease.