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