Unit 2: Brain and body systems
EQ 1: What are the parts of a neuron? 11/17
Label and define different parts of neuron: cell body, dendrites, axon, myelin sheath, terminal branches
Bell Ringer
Create Pipe Cleaner neuron
EQ 2: How do neurons communicate? 11/18
Write an analogy for a neuron/action potential
EX: Fist (neuron), fingers (dendrites), and arm (axon)
Bell ringer
First-read and annotate Second-draw diagram Third-answer questions
How do neurons communicate reading and diagram
What is a mirror neuron?How do mirror neurons work/what do they do?
Explain a time you think a mirror neuron was working for you
Mirror Neuron Videohttp://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/bod
y/mirror-neurons.html
EQ 3: What are the effects of different neurotransmitters?
11/19
BR: Create a chart like the one below
Gallery walk of neurotransmitters
Name of neurotransmitter
Effects Examples
Do you sometimes feel like the left picture one day and the right picture
another day?? Why?
Serotonin - Serotonin is an important neurotransmitter for regulating mood, emotion and anxiety. It also helps regulate food cravings. Imbalances may lead to mood swings, depression and insomnia.
Serotonin
Some “Club Drugs” such as ecstasy affect mood….why?
Club Drugs flood brain with serotonin so people feel a high but when they wear off the brain is deprived of serotonin which can cause depression
Example
Dopamine: What do you think it
influences??
Plays important role in how we experience rewards from a variety of natural sources- food, sex, and drugs. Can impact addiction. Also influences movement, learning, attention, and emotion.
Use picture on other side as example
Dopamine
Do you like to play sports? Dance? Why do you think people like being active?
Acetylcholine
Enables muscle action, learning, and memory
Undersupply or deteriorating neurons can lead to Alzheimer’s disease
Botox affects Ach? How do you think it works?
Who wants Botox?
Botulin is a poison which causes paralysis by blocking Ach release from the sending neuron
Botox smooths wrinkles by paralyzing the underlying facial muscles
Example
How does the venom of a black widow affect Ach? (effects: vomiting, seizures)
Venom causes a flood of Ach which causes muscle contractions, convulsions, and possible death
Example
Helps prevent the body from being too excited and induce a more relaxed or calm state.
If you have low levels of Gaba you may feel anxiety, experience panic attacks, experience mood swings, insomnia, seizures. (no example)
GABA
Have you ever been severely hurt but not felt the pain right away?
Have you ever started laughing from pain instead of crying??
Endorphins
Natural opiate like neurotransmitters linked to pain control and experience of pleasure. Released in response to pain and vigorous exercise.
Use questions on other side as examples
Endorphins
Do you think it is possible for a person to lift a car like Bubba Smith as Lt.
Moses Hightower in the comedy "Police Academy"?
This is simply adrenaline. Vital to the proper function of our body's metabolism. Mental focus, attention and awareness are all impacted by epinephrine.
Use other side as example
Epinephrine
