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The Central Nervous System

The Central Nervous System. Neuron. The basic functional unit of the CNS Exhibits excitability Exhibits conductivity . Synapse. The microscopic gap separating neurons. Neurotransmitters.

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The Central Nervous System

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  1. The Central Nervous System

  2. Neuron • The basic functional unit of the CNS • Exhibits excitability • Exhibits conductivity

  3. Synapse • The microscopic gap separating neurons

  4. Neurotransmitters • A chemical substance capable of transmitting an impulse across the synaptic cleft • Contained in small sacs called vesicles

  5. Variety of neurotransmitters • Cause acute CNS reaction • Small molecule • Rapidly acting Which are these?

  6. ANSWERS: • Acetylcholine • Dopamine, Epinephrine, Norepinephrine, Serotonin • Asparate, Gamma- aminobutyric acid (GABA), Glutamate, Glycine

  7. Variety of neurotransmitters: • Causes prolonged CNS reactions • Large molecule • Slow acting Which are these?

  8. Answers: • Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) • Insulin

  9. Factors: • Synaptic fatigue • Upregulation • Downregulation

  10. Dysfunction • Excessive stimulation: 1. Muscle cramps 2. Convulsions 3. Psychotic symptoms 4. Hallucinations 5. Tension

  11. And........ • Depression results in: 1. Decreased levels of consciousness 2. Respiratory depression

  12. Narcotics and Analgesics • Mechanism of action: Bind to opiod receptors on cell membranes of specific neurons in the brain resulting in decreased pain

  13. Analgesics & Antipyretics • Mechanism of action: Inactivates cyclooxegenayse which prevents prostaglandin formation

  14. Sedatives & Hypnotics • Barbiturates • Benzodiazepines • Nonbarbiturates & Nonbenzodiazepines

  15. Barbiturates Inhibits function of nerve cells Benzodiazepines Bind with receptors to increase the effects of GABA Mechanism of Action

  16. Antianxiety Drugs • Benzodiazepines are the most common • Mechanism of action: Facilitate the inhibitory effects of GABA

  17. Antidepressant Drugs • Types of drugs: 1. Tricyclic antidepressants 2. SSRI 3. MAOI

  18. Mechanism of Action • Increases the amount of neurotransmitters (serotonin & epinephrine)

  19. Antipsychotics • Treats psychotic processes • Mechanism of action: Decreases the effects of Dopamine by occupying receptor sites

  20. Anticonvulsants • Treats seizure disorders • Mechanism of action is unclear May: 1. Decreases neuronal excitability 2. Prevents spread of impulses

  21. Alcohol • Depresses the CNS • Rapidly absorbed from the stomach and small intestines • Quickly distributed to all body tissues

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