Chem 101
Happiness
Deficiencies
Fun Facts
Grab Bag
100
Chemicals in the brain responsible for communication between a variety of cells.
Neurotransmitters
100
What are the "happiness" chemicals?
Dopamine
oxytocin
Serotonin
endorphins
100
What are the side effects caused by dopamine deficiency? (the reward/pleasure neurotransmitter)
procrastination
low energy/fatigue
increased anxiety
increased feeling of hopelessness
mood swings
inability to focus
100
What do the number of folds or pleats in a chef hat represent?
Their experience. (example: 100 folds signifies they know 100 ways to cook an egg)
100
Ways to increase oxytocin
physical contact
kindness towards others
being social
music
200
What are some examples of different cells the neurotransmitters communicate between?
Nerves
glands
muscles
200
Which neurotransmitter enables motivation, learning, and pleasure?
Dopamine
200
What are some side effects of oxytocin? (the love neurotransmitter)
feelings of loneliness
increased stress
a feeling of disconnection from relationships
insomnia
200
What do fortune cookies and apple pie have in common?
Neither originated where we think! Apple pie originated in Asia and fortune cookies originated in California.
200
Which transmitter gives a longer lasting feeling of calm and safety, dopamine or oxytocin?
oxytocin.
Oxytocin also increases resistance to the addictive qualities of dopamine, helping maintain a helpful, balanced feeling.
300
What is a synapse?
A gap between certain nerve and brain cells that the neurotransmitters "jump" across as they travel between cells
300
Which neurotransmitter increases trust and motivates people to build and sustain relationships?
Oxytocin
300
What are some side effects from serotonin either being too low or too high? (the mood transmitter)
Too low: Insomnia and depression
Too high: increased anxiety
300
What is the national animal of Scottland?
The unicorn.
Chosen because of its association with dominance and chivalry as well as purity and innocence in Celtic mythology
300
Which neurotransmitter is closely related to digestive function?
BONUS POINTS: List at least 3 ways that it is related to digestive function.
Serotonin
BONUS POINTS:
Feelings of fullness
Food cravings
Digestion
Nutrient absorption
Peristalsis
400
What are neurotransmitters made of?
Amino Acids
400
Which neurotransmitter boosts self-confidence and self-acceptance?
Serotonin
400
Some of Dr. Turksons favorite medication choices help balance which neurotransmitter?
(BONUS POINTS: Why?)
Serotonin
(SSRIs and SNRIs)
BONUS ANSWER: 95% of serotonin is produced in the gut and so when the gut is damaged by eating disorders, serotonin levels are affected!
400
What do the M's in M&Ms stand for?
Mars and Murrie.
Forrest Mars and Bruce Murrie teamed up to create chocolate for the military that would not melt in their pocket.
400
What are some examples of medications that are used to help balance serotonin?
Zoloft, Prozac, Celexa (SSRIs)
Effexor, Cymbalta, Pristiq (SNRIs)
500
How do eating disorders affect neurotransmitters?
Malnutrition can lower the number of neurotransmitters as well as the number of cell receptors (the part that the neurotransmitter attaches to)
500
What do endorphins do?
Helps the body manage pain and relieve stress.
500
Activities and foods that boost endorphins (the pain and stress transmitter)
Activities: Laughing, listening to music, meditation and deep breathing, sun exposure
Foods: Dark chocolate, avocado, eggs, bananas, strawberries
500
What year was Dorothea Dix hospital built in Raleigh, NC?
Bonus: What year did Central Regional Hospital take over Dorothea Dix?
1856
Bonus: 2008
500
How are dopamine receptors affected by eating disorders?
body creates more receptors in malnourished people, actually causing them to feel "rewarded" quicker.
body has reduced receptors in individuals who binge, making it take longer to reach a "satisfied" feeling.