Brain Biology Tutorial
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Biology of the Brain Created by: Professor Hokerson American River College Last Updated: Spring 2013 Module B Lesson 1 Tutorial
description
This tutorial corresponds with Module A Lesson 1 and should be used by students enrolled in my online Psyc 300 class at American River College.
Transcript of Brain Biology Tutorial
Biology of the Brain
Created by: Professor HokersonAmerican River College
Last Updated: Spring 2013
Module B Lesson 1 Tutorial
Using this Tutorial
• Use the navigation buttons at the bottom of the screen.
• Click on hyperlinks when prompted.
• Have fun and learn!
Table of Contents (TOC)
• Objectives• Module B Objectives # 4 and 5
• Action Items• The Neuron• Neural Transmission• Neurotransmitters• Communication Breakdowns• Neurons and Disease
• Conclusions
MODULE B OBJECTIVES
After completing this tutorial you will be able to…
# 4– Describe how breakdowns in neural transmission cause schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis.
#5– Explain how prescription medications affect neural transmission with the diseases/disorders listed above, including the use of agonist and antagonists drugs.
ACTION ITEMS
The Neuron• Read: Chapter 2 – The Neuron (pages 45 – 49)• Review: The Life and Death of a Neuron
• Tip! You need to be able to identify the basic parts of a neuron and their role in neural transmission!
Image retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neuron
Dendrites
Axon
Cell Body
Cell Nucleus
Nodes of Ranvier
Myelin Sheath
Synaptic Vesicles
Receptor Sites
Axon Terminals
Neural Transmission• Read: Chapter 2 – Communication Between Neurons (pages 49 – 51)
• Hint! Neurons send electrical and chemical messages!
Electrical messages occur within a neuron!
Chemical messages occur between neurons!
Neurotransmitters
• Read: Chapter 2 – Neurotransmitters and their Effects (pages 51 – 53)
• Watch: This is a short video summary of the underlying mechanisms of the brain - The Brain and Its Chemicals
• Activity: Complete these simulations on Quizlet:• Neurotransmitters• Neurotransmitters and Disease
Communication Breakdowns• Question: How does neural communication breakdown?
• Answer: Neural transmission can be interrupted in many ways!
• Not enough neurotransmitter released by the presynaptic neuron (e.g. Alzheimer’s Disease)
• Brain cells die which can result in decrease in neurotransmitters (e.g. Parkinson’s disease)
• Too much neurotransmitter (e.g. Schizophrenia)
• Reuptake decreases levels of available neurotransmitters (e.g. Depression)
Neurons and Disease
• Read: Chapter 2 – How Drugs Affect Synaptic Transmission (pages 53 – 55)
• Watch: This is a short video that illustrates how antidepressants interact with the brain – Depression Medications
• Hint! By making neurotransmitters more available (and in some cases less available) in the synapse it decreases the symptoms of illness and improves functioning.• How ADHD Medications Work
Conclusions
• There is a biological basis to our thoughts and behaviors.
• Our experiences are a result of many neurons communicating!
• Sometimes there are breakdowns in communication.
• Medications can counteract these breakdowns!
• It is still best to view our thoughts and behaviors as a complex interaction of many neurotransmitters!
MODULE B OBJECTIVES
After completing this tutorial you should now be able to…
# 4– Describe how breakdowns in neural transmission cause schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis.
#5– Explain how prescription medications affect neural transmission with the diseases/disorders listed above, including the use of agonist and antagonists drugs.
