THE BRAIN Chapter 3 ALZHEIMERS DISEASE Fatal disease

THE BRAIN Chapter 3

ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE • Fatal disease of the hippocampus identified by forgetting, repeating, confusion, and memory loss; also changes to personality and emotion. • “The Rock of Gibraltar” • ALZ. org

HUMAN BRAIN • Genes – chemical chains of instruction for human development • Fueled by glucose • Made up of Glial cells and neurons • Glial cells – star-shaped cell that supports growth of and protects neurons • Insulates from outside electrical impulses • Release chemicals for neurons • Neurons – receive and send electrical signals • Limited capacity for regrowth or repair after adulthood • Mind-body question

NERVOUS SYSTEM Neurons • Cell body • Dendrite • Axon • Myelin sheath • Ends bulbs • Synapse Nerves • Peripheral – located throughout body, made up of nerves • Capable of regrowing • Central – neurons located in the brain and spinal cord • Limited ability to repair

SENDING INFORMATION • Sensors pick up information • Axon chemical releases • Ion fluid charges • Resting state • Action potential • Nerve impulse • End bulb and neurotransmitters

TRANSMITTERS • Excitatory or Inhibitory • Neurotransmitters • dozen chemicals that travel synapse from end bulb to receptors • Transmitters • • GABA and alcohol Endorphin and morphine Anandamide and THC Nitric oxide and emotions

REFLEX • Sensors • Afferent neurons • Carry info from senses to spinal cord • Interneuron • Connections between neurons • Efferent neurons • Motor • Carry info away from spinal cord • Produce responses in muscles and organs

APPLICATION • Research on phantom limb • Plants and drugs in other cultures • Parkinson’s Disease • Fetal tissue transplant • Head transplant