Review Objective 4. Identify the major types and examples of cells in the nervous system and discuss the
functions of each.
THE OTHER BRAIN CELLS http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/addiction/braincells/
Think about the function of each of these glial cells before you continue on the website. Are you ready for the test? Fill in the
chart below. Be sure you can decipher between these 3 types of glial cells in your drawings.
A. According to the reading on this site, Why are scientists studying these “other brain cells”?
Now go to http://brainu.org/files/movies/synapse_pc.swf and watch the cartoon. Answer the questions
below.
C. How many different types of neurotransmitters are there?
D. When the cartoon refers to the dendrites “tasting” the neurotransmitters, what are they
referring to?
E. Explain the difference between a presynaptic neuron and a postsynaptic neuron.
F. What part of the presynaptic neuron are we actually seeing in this cartoon?
G. What part of the postsynaptic neuron are we actually seeing in this cartoon?
H. Define Depolarization from your notes

In basic English, what happens to calcium when the presynaptic neuron is depolarized?
(Write this in step 2 on the next page)
 What does the calcium do once it is inside the presynaptic neuron? (Write this in step 3
and 4 on the next page)
 What happens when the neurotransmitters bind to the receptors? (write this in step 6)
I. What three things can happen to the neurotransmitters if threshold is not met?
 What happens if threshold is met? (write this in step 7)
STOP HERE- DO NOT CONTINUE WITH THE CARTOON
Presynaptic
Step 1: Depolarization
Step 2: Calcium ________________________________________________
Step 3: Calcium ________________________________________________
Step 4: Neurotransmitters are ____________________________________
Postsynaptic
Step 5: The neurotransmitter bind to the receptors.
Step 6: Sodium __________________________________________________
and Potassium __________________________________________________.
Step 7: If threshold is reached, _____________________________________.
Return to: http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/addiction/beyond/
LEARN Objective 10. Explain the function of some common neurotransmitters within the nervous system.
BEYOND THE REWARD PATHWAY List the main role(s) for each neurotransmitter below:
J. Dopamine:
K. Serotonin:
L. GABA:
M. Glutamate:
LEARN Objective 11: In general, name various ways that drugs can alter the transmission of a nerve
impulse. Watch the video and list the 6 ways in which a toxin can CHANGE synapse.
GO TO: http://brainu.org/files/movies/toxins_synapses.swf
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Return to: http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/addiction/
LEARN Objective 11: In general, name various ways that drugs can alter the transmission of a nerve
impulse.
Mouse Party: Observe the 7 mice at the mouse party. Think about the 6 things you just wrote as you go through. Do
not concern yourself with other terms; rather, focus on the big picture of the synapse, neurotransmitter, receptors,
and uptake. Create a chart with at least 3 of the drugs, the neurotransmitter involved, changes this neurotransmitter
causes with the nervous system and how it affects the body. Attach you chart to this paper.