Brain physiology.txt

• 1. Central Nervous System (CNS)
• 2. Peripheral (PNS)

• - brain
• - spinal chord
• "CNS is where the action occurs"
• Plasticity
• Can undergo changes without our awareness of them

• somatic
• autonomic

• Autonomic: Involuntary
• Sympatheic: Arousing
• Parasympathetic: Calming

• 1. Circulatory system
• 2. Respiratory system
• 3. Reflex system

• 1. impair the ability of the brain to store information (amnesia)--most common effect
• 2. Distort reality
• 3. (in rare cases) increase learning

• 1. increased inhibition (limiting neuroplasticity)
• 2. reduced excitation
• 3. changes in biochemistry so that learning is impaired

A drug that binds to a receptor of a cell and triggers a response by the cell. An agonist often mimics the action of a naturally occurring substance.

An agonist produces an action. It is the opposite of an antagonist which acts against and blocks an action.

Ex. Morphine mimics the actions of endorphins.

• acts against and blocks an action.
• For example, insulin lowers the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood, whereas another hormone called glucagon raises it; therefore, insulin and glucagon are antagonists.
• Ex. Alcohol blocks serotonin activity.

the neuron

• dendrite
• soma
• axon
• bouton.

neurotransmitters

(e.g., somatosensory and motor cortex)

regular organization and cortical amplification.