Psychoactive Drugs: Influence on Consciousness
What type of drug increases neural activity and arousal?
A stimulant.
What do neurotransmitters do in the nervous system?
They carry messages between neurons across the synapse.
What are the two main divisions of the nervous system?
The Central Nervous System and the Peripheral Nervous System.
Which part of the brain in the brainstem controls basic life functions like breathing and heartbeat?
The medulla.
This classic Halloween creature is said to turn into a bat and hates garlic.
What is a vampire
What drug blocks the reuptake of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine, causing euphoria and alertness?
Cocaine.
Which neurotransmitter is most associated with pleasure, motivation, and reward?
Dopamine.
Which part of the autonomic nervous system activates the “fight or flight” response?
The Sympathetic Nervous System.
Which brain structure is the “sensory relay station” for most incoming information?
The thalamus.
You might hear this chain-rattling spirit haunting old houses, crying “Boo!”
What is a ghost
Which depressant enhances GABA and reduces neural activity, often causing sedation?
Alcohol.
Which inhibitory neurotransmitter reduces anxiety and promotes relaxation?
GABA.
After escaping a stressful event, which system slows the heart rate and restores calm?
The Parasympathetic Nervous System.
Which part of the brain processes emotions such as fear and aggression?
The amygdala.
Legends say that during a full moon, this creature transforms from human to beast.
What is a werewolf
What is it called when the body requires increasing amounts of a drug to feel the same effect?
Tolerance.
Which hormone produced by the pineal gland helps regulate sleep-wake cycles?
Melatonin.
What type of neuron carries signals from the brain to the muscles, allowing movement?
Motor neurons.
What is the name of the brain’s outer layer responsible for higher-level thinking and processing?
The cerebral cortex.
This famous monster was created in a lab by a doctor
What is Frankenstein
A person deprived of REM sleep spends extra time in REM the next night. What is this phenomenon called?
REM rebound.
What neurotransmitter is released at neuromuscular junctions to trigger muscle contraction?
Acetylcholine.
What is the neural pathway called that allows for quick, automatic responses without conscious thought?
A reflex arc.
Damage to which brain structure would most likely impair your ability to coordinate and fine-tune movement and balance?
The cerebellum.
It hides in storm drains, offers balloons, and was dreamed up by Stephen King to haunt your nightmares.
What is Pennywise the Clown