Mr. C, Sept 13, 2007, Mark: 3/3

What we did today:

• reviewed synapses
• got a list of neurotransmitter chemicals (excititory and inhibitory)
• reviewed Key Points of:

1. creating polarized resting membrane,
2. action potential,
3. transmission of impulse,
4. all-or-none response,
5. synapse (+/- neurotransmitters)

• Note: quiz 2 tomorrow on nerve impulses and synapses

Thoughts/Opinions on material:
I find it hard to believe there are billions of neurons in my body all transmitting "messages" in the form of depolarization and neurotransmitter chemicals. Imagining, memories, movement are all due simply to depolarization of neural membranes?

Also, it seems like a system that could screw up very easily. M.S., Huntington's disease, Alzheimers are all due to screwups of the NS. I wonder why they're not more common than they are. Neurilema might be the reason: aids in repair of damaged neurons.

Finally, I wonder how drugs like crack affect my NS.

Above and Beyond:
This website: http://www.cocaine.org/hardstuf.html claims crack's effects are mainly on the PNS, specifically the sympathetic system ("a rush"). Specifically it affects dopamine (neurotransmitter). It signals release of dopamine, then inhibits reuptake of dopamine into synaptic vessicles, so dopamine remains in the synapses far longer than normal and extends euphoric feelings.