Functions
This part of the brain helps you form memories, especially long term ones
Hippocampus
This everyday drug is often used to treat headaches and reduce pain by blocking prostaglandins.
Acetaminophen (tylenol)
This part of the brain develops last and helps with decision making and impulse control.
Prefrontal cortex
Our brains are composed of about __% water
75
This neurotransmitter causes heightened awareness, physical boost, and increased heart rate in times of stress
Adrenaline/Epinephrine
This chemical messenger helps neurons communicate with each other across synapses.
Neurotransmitter
This antidepressant class works by preventing serotonin from being taken back up into neurons
SSRIs
These cells help guide neurons to their correct locations during development.
Glial cells
___ ___ ___ ___ is when you feel pain from an amputated limb?
Phantom limb pain syndrome
Eating dark chocolate boosts which neurotransmitter?
Dopamine
This brain region controls balance and coordination
Cerebellum
This common ADHD medication helps increase focus by boosting dopamine and norepinephrine.
Adderall
This fatty coating forms around axons as the brain develops and helps signals travel faster
Myelin
The largest brained animal is the ___ ___. The brain weights ~__ pounds.
Sperm whale; 20
*Typically-
__ levels of this excitatory neurotransmitter __ or __ levels of this inhibitory neurotransmitter __ can lead to epilepsy.
High, Glutamate ; low, Gaba
During brain development, only neurons forming correct and functional connections survive, otherwise they go through ___
Apoptosis (programmed cell death)
This drug blocks dopamine receptors and is often used to treat schizophrenia
Antipsychotics (ex. haloperidol)
This process strengthens the connections between neurons when they are used repeatedly, helping the brain learn and adapt
Neuroplasticity
4
What (5) neurotransmitters does the CNS normally use? What 3 does the PNS use?
CNS: Glutamate, GABA, acetylcholine, dopamine, serotonin
PNS: acetylcholine, norepinephrine
During development, this process creates new neurons from stem-like precursor cells before those neurons migrate to their final positions
Neurogenesis
This anesthetic causes dissociation by blocking NMDA receptors in the brain.
Ketamine
This part of the developing brain is responsible for producing new neurons before they migrate outward to form the cortex.
Ventricular zone
What is the medical name for a brain freeze?
Bonus: what actually causes the pain?
Sphenopalatine ganglioneuralgia;
The cold causes a contraction and then a dilation of arteries, triggering a rapid-onset headache.
The GABA(A) receptor passes which ion, producing what type of postsynaptic potential
Chloride, IPSPs (Inhibitory- makes a neuron less likely to fire)