Lesson 2: Brain Chemistry

Part I: The Role of Neurons

Read the "Lesson 2 Notes: Brain Chemistry" and complete questions 1-6.

• Define the following:
  • Gila, Neurons, cell body, soma, dentrites, axon, synapses, pre-synaptic neuron, post-synaptic cell, synaptic cleft, Action Potential, Resting Membrane potential, neurotransmitter, vesicles, receptors, Oscilloscope, Neurotransmitter.
• Draw and label the anatomy of a neuron. Include all parts
• Draw, label and explain how a pre-synaptic neuron and post-synaptic neuron communicate. Be sure to include the role of the synapses.
• Draw and label the parts of an action potential. Then explain how an action potential works.
• Explain the role of the Blood Brain Barrier and provide an example of how this system works.
• Explain the impact of each of the following neurotransmitters on the body
  1. Acetylcholine,
  2. Dopamine,
  3. GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid),
  4. Glutamate,
  5. Glycine
  6. Norepinephrine,
  7. Serotonin

Part II: The Actions of Neurotransmitters

Using the following link Lesson 2

• View “How neurotransmission works?” Then explain what is happening in diagrams 1-6 on page 2.5 of Lesson 2 Worksheet.
• Complete the animation “Neuron Transmitter Actions” which instructs adding saline, Glutamate and GABA to a neuron. Then complete questions 1-6 from on page 2.7 from Lesson 2 Worksheet.

Now that you understand how neurons work to control brain and body activity, we will explore the impact of specific drugs on the brain and body.