Human PhysiologyHuman PhysiologyThe impact of depressants on the brain

StandardsStandards

9a. Students know how the complementary activity of major body systems provides cells with oxygen and nutrients and removes toxic waste products such as carbon dioxide.

9b.Students know how the nervous system mediates communication between different parts of the body and the body’s interactions with the environment.

9d.Students know the functions of the nervous system and the role of neurons in transmitting electrochemical impulses.

9e.Students know the roles of sensory neurons, interneurons, and motor neurons in sensation, thought, and response

Objectives:Objectives:

Understand the function of the nervous system.

Explain how the nervous system maintains homeostasis.

Explain how the nervous sends messages and communicates with different parts of the body.

Understand the impact of depressants and stimulants on brain chemistry and function.

Why is the brain so important?Why is the brain so important?

Brain-controls nervous system, maintains normal function of the body, contains 100 billion neurons

Depressants and The BrainDepressants and The Brain

Drugs change how the brain works, by changing the number of action potentials (nerve impulses) that are generated.

Drugs that make a person feel relaxed or tired.

Reduce the ability of neurons (nerve cells) to generate action potentials (send messages).

Block neurotransmitters (stops/slows messages between neurons)

Slows down the central nervous system.

Depressant-MarijuanaDepressant-Marijuana

Contains tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)Causes temporary euphoria or disorientationMore damaging to the lungs than cigarettes Quadruples chances of heart attacksLong term effects on the brain-Memory loss,

inability to concentrate, difficulty with problem solving, uncoordinated movements, problems with sensory and time perception

MarijuanaMarijuana’’s Impact on the Brains Impact on the Brain

Depressant-AlcoholDepressant-Alcohol

Depressant that slows down the CNSSlows down reflexes, disrupts coordination, and

impairs judgementCauses damage to liver, heart, lungs, muscles,

pancreas, stomach, intestinesAlcohol Poisoning-usually caused by rapid intake

of alcohol, slowing of breathing, body feels cool or clammy, unconscious or semiconscious, skin is bluish, vomitting,

Long term effects on the brain-Damage to the frontal lobes, reduction in brain size, loss of memory and confusion, disruption of sleep pattern, alcoholism

AlcoholAlcohol’’s Impact on the Brains Impact on the Brain

Summary QuestionsSummary Questions

Why is your brain important?How do depressants “slow down” the

central nervous system?How does alcohol or marijuana affect the

functioning of your brain?What are some of the long term affects of

alcohol or marijuana on the brain?