Neurotransmission Fact Sheet

Neurotransmission Fact SheetThe brain and nervous system are made of billions of nerve cells, called neurons. Neurons have three main parts:cell body, dendrites, and axon. The axon is covered by the myelin sheath.Dendrites receive messagesfrom other neurons.Cell Body is in charge of the neuron’sactivities.Myelin Sheath covers theaxon to protect it and helpmessages travel faster andeasier.Axon sends messages from the cellbody to the dendrites of other neurons.The transfer of information between neurons is called neurotransmission.This is how neurotransmission works:1. A message travels from the dendrites through the cell body and to the end of the axon.2. The message causes the chemicals, called neurotransmitters, to be released from the end of the axoninto the synapse. The neurotransmitters carry the message with them into the synapse. The synapse isthe space between the axon of one neuron and the dendrites of another neuron.3. The neurotransmitters then travel across the synapse to special places on the dendrites of the nextneuron, called receptors. The neurotransmitters fit into the receptors like keys in locks.4. Once the neurotransmitter has attached to the receptors of the second neuron, the message is passed on.5. The neurotransmitters are released from the receptors and are either broken down or go back into theaxon of the first neuron.Teacher copy: Module 1

Neurotransmission Fact SheetThe brain and nervous system are made of billions of nerve cells, called neurons. Neurons have three main parts:cell body, dendrites, and axon. The axon is covered by the myelin sheath.receivemessages from other neurons.neuron’s activities.is in charge of thecovers the axon to protectit and help messages travelfaster and easier.sends messages from the cellbody to the dendrites of other neurons.The transfer of information between neurons is called neurotransmission.This is how neurotransmission works:1. A message travels from the dendrites through the cell body and to the end of the axon.2. The message causes the chemicals, called neurotransmitters, to be released from the end of the axoninto the synapse. The neurotransmitters carry the message with them into the synapse. The synapse isthe space between the axon of one neuron and the dendrites of another neuron.3. The neurotransmitters then travel across the synapse to special places on the dendrites of the nextneuron, called receptors. The neurotransmitters fit into the receptors like keys in locks.4. Once the neurotransmitter has attached to the receptors of the second neuron, the message is passed on.5. The neurotransmitters are released from the receptors and are either broken down or go back into theaxon of the first neuron.Module 1

Brain Parts Fact SheetCerebral Cortex:• Largest part of the brain• Most highly developed part of the brain• Controls thinking, perceiving, and understanding language• Corpus callosum connects the two hemispheresHemispheres of the cerebral cortex:Left Hemisphere• Controls the right side of the body• Responsible for mathematical ability,problem solving, language, anddecision-makingRight Hemisphere• Controls the left side of the body• Responsible for artistic expression andunderstanding relationships in spaceLobes of the cerebral cortex:Parietal Lobe• Located below the crown of the head• Processes sensory information from the whole body(information about pain, touch, and pressure)Frontal Lobe• Located right behind the forehead• Responsible for initiating and coordinatingmotor movements and higher cognitiveskills like problem solving and thinkingOccipital Lobe• Located in the back of the brain, againstthe skull• Processes all the visual informationcoming into the brainTemporal Lobe• Located behind the temples and justabove the ears• In charge of making sense of theinformation you hear• Integrates information from varioussenses, such as smell and visionHypothalamus:• Controls body temperature, hunger, and thirstCerebellum:• Controls posture, movement, and the sense of balance*not visible by cross-sectionBrain Stem:• Brain’s most primitive part• Controls simple reflexes, such as coughing, sneezing, and digestion• Two main parts—pons and medulla• Pons contains the fibers that connect the cerebral cortex withthe cerebellum and spinal cord; also controls sleeping,awakening, and dreaming• Medulla controls heart rate, respiration, and blood pressure;connects the brain to the spinal cordLimbic System: two main parts—hippocampus and amygdala• Hippocampus controls learning and memory• Amygdala plays an important role in emotional behaviorTeacher copy: Module 1

Brain Parts Fact SheetCerebral Cortex:• Largest part of the brain• Most highly developed part of the brain• Controls thinking, perceiving, and understanding language• Corpus callosum connects the two hemispheresHemispheres of the cerebral cortex:• Controls the right side of the body• Responsible for mathematical ability,problem solving, language, anddecision-making• Controls the left side of the body• Responsible for artistic expression andunderstanding relationships in spaceLobes of the cerebral cortex:• Located below the crown of the head• Processes sensory information from the whole body(information about pain, touch, and pressure)• Located right behind the forehead• Responsible for initiating and coordinatingmotor movements and higher cognitiveskills like problem solving and thinking• Located in the back of the brain, againstthe skull• Processes all the visual informationcoming into the brain• Located behind the temples and justabove the ears• In charge of making sense of theinformation you hear• Integrates information from varioussenses, such as smell and visionHypothalamus:• Controls body temperature, hunger, and thirstCerebellum:• Controls posture, movement, and the sense of balance*not visible by cross-sectionBrain Stem:• Brain’s most primitive part• Controls simple reflexes, such as coughing, sneezing, and digestion• Two main parts—pons and medulla• Pons contains the fibers that connect the cerebral cortex withthe cerebellum and spinal cord; also controls sleeping,awakening, and dreaming• Medulla controls heart rate, respiration, and blood pressure;connects the brain to the spinal cordLimbic System: two main parts—hippocampus and amygdala• Hippocampus controls learning and memory• Amygdala plays an important role in emotional behaviorModule 1

Nicotine and the BrainNonsmoker: Normal acetylcholine and receptorsAcetylcholine receptors help with respiration,heart rate, memory, alertness, muscle movement,pleasure, and well-being. In a synapse ofa nonsmoker, there is a normal amount ofacetylcholine and receptors, so the neuron isworking just like it should.New Smoker: Too many chemicals in the synapseNicotine is a similar shape to acetylcholine, so itfits into the same receptors. This makes neuron 1send messages much more often than it should.Addicted Smoker: Less acetylcholine and fewerreceptorsAfter a person has been smoking for a while,the brain decreases the amount of acetylcholineand the number of receptors. The brain doesthis to stop the neuron from sending too manymessages.Quitting “cold turkey”: Not enough acetylcholineand receptorsWhen nicotine use stops, the neuron is unableto send many messages because there is nolonger enough acetylcholine. There are alsofewer acetylcholine receptors. The user feelsuncomfortable and has withdrawal symptoms.Teacher copy: Module 2

Nicotine and the BrainNonsmoker:Acetylcholine receptors help with respiration,heart rate, memory, alertness, muscle movement,pleasure, and well-being. In a synapse ofa nonsmoker, there is a normal amount ofacetylcholine and receptors, so the neuron isworking just like it should.New Smoker:Nicotine is a similar shape to acetylcholine, so itfits into the same receptors. This makes neuron 1send messages much more often than it should.Addicted Smoker:After a person has been smoking for a while,the brain decreases the amount of acetylcholineand the number of receptors. The brain doesthis to stop the neuron from sending too manymessages.Quitting “cold turkey”:When nicotine use stops, the neuron is unableto send many messages because there is nolonger enough acetylcholine. There are alsofewer acetylcholine receptors. The user feelsuncomfortable and has withdrawal symptoms.Module 2

Alcohol and the BrainBrain PartAlcohol’s Effects on Brain PartsCerebral CortexWhen alcohol reaches this part of the brain, a person can lose judgmentand lower his or her inhibitions. Alcohol here also affects how the brain getsinformation from the senses, which might cause blurry vision and difficulty insmelling, tasting, and hearing.Frontal LobesThis lobe of the cerebral cortex helps a person with planning, makingdecisions, and using self-control. Alcohol can harm a person’s ability to plan,make decisions, and use self-control. If alcohol is used over a long period oftime, this part of the brain can be damaged permanently.HippocampusWhen alcohol reaches this part of the brain, a person can lose the ability toremember something he or she may have just learned, like another person’sname or a phone number. Drinking a lot of alcohol in a short period cancause a blackout, when a person cannot remember entire events. Long-termalcohol use can cause permanent memory and learning damage in this partof the brain.CerebellumThis part of the brain helps a person with thinking, coordination, balance,and being aware of everything around them. Alcohol interferes with theseabilities. Changes in this part of the brain may cause loss of balance andcoordination.HypothalamusWhen alcohol reaches this brain area, it can cause increased blood pressure,increased hunger and thirst, decreased body temperature, and a decreasedheart rate.MedullaDrinking alcohol interferes with this part of the brain’s ability to maintainthe body’s normal temperature. Alcohol can also cause slower breathing andheart rate. If a lot of alcohol is used over a short period of time, it can evencause a person to go into a coma when this part of the brain shuts down.Teacher copy: Module 2

Alcohol and the BrainBrain PartAlcohol’s Effects on Brain PartsWhen alcohol reaches this part of the brain, a person can lose judgmentand lower his or her inhibitions. Alcohol here also affects how the brain getsinformation from the senses, which might cause blurry vision and difficulty insmelling, tasting, and hearing.This lobe of the cerebral cortex helps a person with planning, makingdecisions, and using self-control. Alcohol can harm a person’s ability to plan,make decisions, and use self-control. If alcohol is used over a long period oftime, this part of the brain can be damaged permanently.When alcohol reaches this part of the brain, a person can lose the ability toremember something he or she may have just learned, like another person’sname or a phone number. Drinking a lot of alcohol in a short period cancause a blackout, when a person cannot remember entire events. Long-termalcohol use can cause permanent memory and learning damage in this partof the brain.This part of the brain helps a person with thinking, coordination, balance,and being aware of everything around them. Alcohol interferes with theseabilities. Changes in this part of the brain may cause loss of balance andcoordination.When alcohol reaches this brain area, it can cause increased blood pressure,increased hunger and thirst, decreased body temperature, and a decreasedheart rate.Drinking alcohol interferes with this part of the brain’s ability to maintainthe body’s normal temperature. Alcohol can also cause slower breathing andheart rate. If a lot of alcohol is used over a short period of time, it can evencause a person to go into a coma when this part of the brain shuts down.Module 2

Puzzle PiecesAcetylcholineNicotine has a similar chemical structureas this neurotransmitter and copies itsactionsWhat Causes NicotineWithdrawal?Nicotine has disrupted the normalrelationship between acetylcholine andits receptors, and now the brain needsnicotine to feel normalGABAAlcohol increases the activity of thisinhibitory neurotransmitterINHIBITORY NEUROTRANSMITTERDecreases the activity of neuronsEXCITATORYNEUROTRANSMITTERIncreases the activity of neuronsDOPAMINEThis neurotransmitter is a part of thebrain’s “reward system”HIPPOCAMPUSAlcohol can cause memory loss bydamaging this part of the brainLIVERThis part of the body works to removepoisons and germs from the blood, andcan be damaged by long-term alcoholabuseNICOTINEThe addictive drug found in tobaccoproducts like cigarettesTeacher copy: Module 2

Puzzle PiecesINHIBITORY NEUROTRANSMITTERNicotine has a similar chemical structureas this neurotransmitter and copies itsactionsEXCITATORYNEUROTRANSMITTERNicotine has disrupted the normalrelationship between acetylcholine andits receptors, and now the brain needsnicotine to feel normalLIVERAlcohol increases the activity of thisinhibitory neurotransmitterDOPAMINEDecreases the activity of neuronsHIPPOCAMPUSIncreases the activity of neuronsNICOTINEThis neurotransmitter is a part of thebrain’s “reward system”GABAAlcohol can cause memory loss bydamaging this part of the brainAcetylcholineThis part of the body works to removepoisons and germs from the blood, andcan be damaged by long-term alcoholabuseWhat Causes NicotineWithdrawal?The addictive drug found in tobaccoproducts like cigarettesModule 2

Prescription Drugs, Inhalants, and the Brain Fact SheetThe following chart describes the effects of prescription drugs and inhalants when used appropriately and inappropriately.Teacher copy: Module 3OpioidsPrescribed for painExampleMorphine, codeine,Oxycodone (Oxycontin),Hydrocodone (Vicodin)How are they supposed to work?Block pain messages in brain byattaching to opioid receptorsWhat can happen when they are usedinappropriately?Addiction, respiratory problems, deathCNS DepressantsPrescribed for sleepproblems and anxietybarbiturates andbenzodiazepinesCause calmness by increasing GABAreleaseAddiction, respiratory problems, deathCNS StimulantsPrescribed for ADHD,narcolepsy, anddepressiondextroamphetamine(Dexedrine) andmethylphenidate(Ritalin)Cause increased alertness by copyingactivity of dopamine and norepinephrineAddiction, irregular heart beat, high bodytemperature, heart attack, seizuresInhalantsSome householdproductsMeant for purposes other than inhalationBrain is deprived of oxygen, decreasedcoordination, heart attack, “sudden sniffingdeath”Conclusions:1. People should only take prescription drugs prescribed specifically for them by a doctor, and they should alwaysclosely follow the directions for use.2. Prescription drugs affect the brain and body. These changes can be harmful in someone that does not need them.3. Inhalants are household products that can be very dangerous if used inappropriately.

The following chart describes the effects of prescription drugs and inhalants when used appropriately and inappropriately.Module 3Prescription Drugs, Inhalants, and the Brain Fact SheetOpioidsPrescribed for painCNS DepressantsPrescribed for sleepproblems and anxietyCNS StimulantsPrescribed for ADHD,narcolepsy, anddepressionExampleMorphine, codeine,Oxycodone (Oxycontin),Hydrocodone (Vicodin)barbiturates andbenzodiazepinesdextroamphetamine(Dexedrine) andmethylphenidate (Ritalin)How are they supposed to work?Block pain messages in brain by attaching toopioid receptorsCause calmness by increasing GABA releaseCause increased alertness by copying activityof dopamine and norepinephrineInhalants Some household products Meant for purposes other than inhalationWhat can happen when they are usedinappropriately?Conclusions:1.2.3.

Teacher Bingo Sheet1. This is the most commonly abused illegal drug in the United States. (Marijuana)2. This is the active chemical ingredient in marijuana. (THC)3. THC use can affect this function of the brain, which is the ability to retain information. (Memory)4. Marijuana is used medically to treat the side-effects of this cancer treatment. (Chemotherapy)5. The uncomfortable feeling or symptoms that one experiences when abruptly stopping marijuana use.(Withdrawal)6. Marijuana disrupts this system in the brain that is responsible for feelings and emotions, and plays animportant part in learning. (Limbic System)7. This poisonous gas is found in marijuana smoke. (Carbon Monoxide)8. Marijuana affects this ability to move, react, and stay balanced. (Coordination)9. A slang name for marijuana. (Weed)10. Marijuana comes from the dried flowers and leaves of this plant. (Cannabis)11. These are located on dendrites, and receive messages during neurotransmission. A specific one of these isactivated by THC. (Receptor)12. This neurotransmitter is associated with feelings of pleasure, and is affected by marijuana. (Dopamine)13. This part of the brain controls memory, and long term abuse of marijuana can permanently damage it.(Hippocampus)14 Marijuana disrupts this process in the brain which involves the sending and receiving of messages.(Neurotransmission)15. Long-term smoking of marijuana can lead to cancers and problems in this body organ. (Lung)16. The status of marijuana use in the United States for nonmedical purposes. (Illegal)17. This black liquid residue is found in marijuana smoke. (Tar)18. This is the most common method of using marijuana. (Smoking)19. The neurotransmitter that activates THC receptors. (Anandamine)20. These effects can last more than four hours after marijuana use, and can include distorted perception, reducedcoordination and balance, and sleepiness. (Short term)21. These effects can occur when marijuana is used heavily over a long period of time and can include personalitychanges and memory problems. (Long term)22. Long-term use of marijuana can cause personality changes, marked by a loss of this set of feelings that drivessomeone to achieve a goal. (Motivation)23. This part of the brain, which takes in information from the senses and is in charge of higher order thinking, isaffected by marijuana. (Cerebral Cortex)24. Marijuana affects this part of the brain, which coordinates movement. (Cerebellum)Teacher Copy: Module 4

Bingo CardLong term Motivation LungTHC Limbic System DopamineWeed Marijuana Carbon MonoxideCannabis Receptor MemoryWithdrawal Coordination ChemotherapyNeurotransmission Hippocampus CerebellumSmoking Illegal TarCerebral Cortex Short term AnandamineModule 4

Marijuana SurveyDo you think marijuana is safe for children and teens to use?A. alwaysB. sometimesC. neverD. not sureDo you think marijuana affects the brain?A. alwaysB. sometimesC. neverD. not sureDo you think marijuana can damage the brain or the body?A. alwaysB. sometimesC. neverD. not sureDo you know anyone who uses marijuana?A. yesB. noC. not sureStudents collected responses from their peers for each of the questions above. Use the chart below to tallythe results.Question always sometimes never not sureDo you thinkmarijuana is safe forchildren and teensto use?Do you thinkmarijuana affectsthe brain?Do you thinkmarijuana candamage the brain orthe body?Question yes no not sureDo you knowanyone who usesmarijuana?Teacher Copy: Module 4

Marijuana SurveyPlease fill out this survey. Your answers will be kept confidential.Do you think marijuana is safe for children or teens to use?A. alwaysB. sometimesC. neverD. not sureDo you think marijuana affects the brain?A. alwaysB. sometimesC. neverD. not sureDo you think marijuana can damage the brain or the body?A. alwaysB. sometimesC. neverD. not sureConfidentialDo you know anyone who uses marijuana?A. yesB. noC. not sureModule 4

Marijuana Fact SheetC(tetrahydrocannabinol) is the active ingredient in marijuana.THC activates THC receptorsin the brain.These receptors are located in the: ,cerebral cortex , and .When THC activates these receptors, it interferes with the normalfunctioning of these areas of the brain.Activity in thehippocampu is reduced when someone is using marijuana,causing problems with short-term memory. Long-term use can causepermanent memory loss and learning problems . .The amount of tar, carbon monoxide, and cancer-causing chemicals can bein marijuana smoke than in tobacco smoke.Long-term marijuana users can becometo the drug.Module 4

Marijuana Fact SheetTHC Creceptors in the brain.limbic systemcerebral cortex cerebellumTHC activates THC(tetrahydrocannabinol) is the active ingredient in marijuana.These receptors are located in the: ,cerebral cortex , and .When THC activates these receptors, it interferes with the normalfunctioning of these areas of the brain.normalActivity in thehippocampushippocampu is reduced when someone is using marijuana,causing problems with short-term memory. Long-term use can causememory losslearning problemspermanent and .The amount of tar, carbon monoxide, and cancer-causing chemicals can begreaterLong-term marijuana users can becomein marijuana smoke than in tobacco smoke.addictedto the drug.Teacher copy: Module 4

Heroin and Cocaine Fact SheetHEROINChanges in the brain are responsible for heroin addiction. Using heroin activates the brain’s opiatereceptors and increases the amount of dopamine released, which results in a short-lived rush. Byacting on the opiate receptors, users can experience feelings of euphoria and decreased pain. Userscan also experience nausea and cloudy thinking. After repeated use, receptors decrease and heroinusers need more and more of the drug just to feel the same effects, or to avoid withdrawal symptoms.Withdrawal symptoms are intense for a heroin addict, and include insomnia, muscle and bone pain,vomiting, and cold flashes.Word Bank: opiate, addiction, rush, withdrawal, receptorsCOCAINECocaine prevents the normal reabsorption of dopamine during neurotransmission. This causes a buildupof dopamine in the synapse, which gives a cocaine-user strong feelings of pleasure. When a personstops using cocaine, dopamine levels decrease and the person needs more of the drug to restore thedopamine level and to feel normal again. Repeated cocaine use can cause damage to neurons andlead to problems with memory and learning. Cocaine withdrawal can lead to feelings of depression,anxiety, and paranoia.Word Bank: dopamine, memory, reabsorption, depression, synapseTeacher Copy: Module 5

Heroin and Cocaine Fact SheetHEROINChanges in the brain are responsible for heroin. Using heroin activates the brain’sopiateand increases the amount of dopamine released, which results in a short-lived. By acting on the receptors, users can experience feelings ofeuphoria and decreased pain. Users can also experience nausea and cloudy thinking. After repeateduse, receptors decrease and heroin users need more and more of the drug just to feel the same effects,or to avoidsymptoms. Withdrawal symptoms are intense for a heroin addict, andinclude insomnia, muscle and bone pain, vomiting, and cold flashes.Word Bank: opiate, addiction, rush, withdrawal, receptorsCOCAINECocaine prevents the normalof dopamine during neurotransmission.This causes abuild-up of dopamine in the, which gives a cocaine-user strong feelings of pleasure.When a person stops using cocaine, dopamine levels decrease and the person needs more of thedrug to restore thelevel and to feel normal again. Repeated cocaine use can causedamage to neurons and lead to problems withand learning. Cocaine withdrawalcan lead to feelings of, anxiety, and paranoia.Word Bank: dopamine, memory, reabsorption, depression, synapseModule 5

Drugs in the News: Key PointsSTEROIDSMETHAMPHETAMINE“CLUB DRUGS”Module 6

Drugs in the News Fact SheetOverviewSTEROIDSMETHAMPHETAMINE“CLUB DRUGS”Teacher Copy: Module 6

Drugs in the News Fact SheetSTEROIDSMETHAMPHETAMINE“CLUB DRUGS”Module 6

Ripple Effectsjail timeaddictionpovertyCommunityFamilyviolencehealthproblemslossof jobneglectmight be acrimeIndividualpollutionchildabuseTeacher copy: Module 6

Ripple EffectsCommunityFamilyIndividualModule 6

Media ChartUse the chart below to tally the numbers of articles each group brings in for the competition.GroupNumber of articles thatdiscuss drug abuse(one point per article)Number of articles thatdiscuss the impact of thedrug on the brain andbody (two points perarticle)Number of articleswhere students haveidentified an imbalancein the presentation ofinformation (three pointsper article)1.2.3.4.5.6.1.2.3.4.5.6.1.2.3.4.5.6.1.2.3.4.5.6.1.2.3.4.5.6.Teacher Copy: Module 6

Media Report CardTelevision Show or Movie Name Grade CommentsModule 6