Chemical Messengers in the Nervous System

Endorphins and Hormones: two of the substances that are chemical

messengers in the house

Objectives

1. Describe the different types of Neurotransmitters (7) AND give examples of each

2. Use Compare and Contrast Vocabulary such as: On the other hand, However, but, nonetheless. To construct your summary.

Scaffolding

• Neurotransmitters make it possible excite or inhibit another neuron, Chemical release, determin if fire

• Exist in Brain and spinal cord and Peripheral nerves

• Nerve circuits effect mood, memory, well being• Depends on type of neurotransmitter, level,

and location

Major neurotransmitters

SerotoninDopamineAcetylcholine (Ach)NorepinephrineGamma aminobutyric acid (GABA)GlutamateEndorphins

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Types of Neurotransmitters

• 1st Serotonin• Affects neurons several areas:• Sleep• Dreams• Appetite• sensory perception• Temp. regulation• Pain suppression • Mood

Serotonin

2nd type Dopamine

• Affects neurons in • Excitement level • Voluntary movements• Learning• Memory• Emotion• Possibility Response to novelty

Dopamine

3rd Acetylcholine-a·ce·tyl·cho·line

• Neurons in:• Muscle action• Muscle contraction• Cognitive functioning• Muscle Memory• Memory• Emotion

Flexing

4th Norepinephrine-nor-ep-ih-NEF-rin

• Affects Neurons in:• Energy Levels• Increased heart rate• Slowing of intestinal activity during stress• Released by Adrenal Gland

5th GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid)

• Majority inhibitor neurotransmitter in the BRAIN

Inhibit- Less likely fire= GABA

6th Glutamate -glu·ta·mate

• Major excitatory neurotransmitter in brain• Released by 90% of brains neurons

Effects cont….

• Tricky to pin down, neurotransmitters multiple roles, and interlay

• DO NOT CAUSE DISORDERS. Aspirin relives headache but headache not caused by lack of aspirin

• Most recreational drugs produce effect by blocking or enhancing of neurotransmitters

Harmful effects

• Low levels serotonin associated with depression, mental disorders

• GABA- abnormal levels linked to epilepsy• Alzheimer's- loose brain cells acetylcholine,

memory problems• Dopamine loss- Parkinson

Endorphins: Brain’s natural Opiate

• Endorphins- chemical messengers that reduce pain and promote pleasure.

• Appetite, sexual activity• Shoot up when when animal or human is by

under stress, afraid. AS A RESULT HELP FOR SURVIVAL.

• Identified 1971 by Pert and Snyder; working with morphine (Heroin)

• Binds receptor sites to the brain

Best Feeling: exercise

Hormones- Long distance Measures

• Hormones make up 1/3 of chemical messengers

• Produced primarily in endocrine glands (Endocrine System)

• Promote body growth, digestion, metabolism

The endocrine system

Endocrine glands release hormones into the bloodstream…

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…Hormones regulate growth, metabolism, sexual development and behavior, and other functions.

The endocrine system

4 types of HORMONES=First 3 types of

• Melatonin- Pinal gland in the brain; daily biological rhythms, promotes sleep (ch 5)

• Oxytocin- Pituitary gland; injection of milk, promotes attachment and trust

• Adrenal Hormones- Adrenal Glands, respond to non-emotional conditions, heat, cold, pain, physical exercise

• Respond to nicotine, caffeine produce Adrenaline, can impair memory

OXYTOCIN

Sex Hormones

• Gonads- Testes in men, ovaries in women• 3 main types in both sexes but varying degrees• Androgens (testosterone) in both but for

males, deepen voice, hair• Estrogen- both, but female reproduction,

menstruation, breast dev.• Progesterone- fertilized uterine lining for egg

Hormones

MelatoninRegulates daily biological rhythms

OxycotinEnhances uterine contractions during labor

Adrenal hormonesInvolved in emotions and stress

Cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine

Sex hormonesRegulate development and functioning of reproductive organs

Androgens, estrogens, and progesterone

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Summary

• Types of neurotransmitters• Hormones/Endorphins