17.3.1 Brain Neurochemistry

    Cards (27)

    • What characterizes nicotine addiction as a chronic disorder?
      Compulsive seeking and use
    • Nicotine addiction involves relapse after periods of abstinence due to its effects on key areas of the brain responsible for reward and reinforcement
    • Individuals with nicotine addiction develop tolerance, requiring higher doses for the same effect.
    • Which brain region is connected to the ventral tegmental area (VTA) in the dopamine pathway?
      Nucleus accumbens
    • Nicotine directly stimulates nicotinic acetylcholine receptors on dopamine neurons in the VTA
    • Nicotine's effect on dopamine release is more gradual and regulated compared to natural rewards.
      False
    • What neurotransmitter typically activates acetylcholine receptors?
      Acetylcholine
    • Nicotine's acute effects on acetylcholine receptors include enhanced alertness and cognitive function
    • What neurotransmitter is affected by nicotine, leading to low mood during withdrawal?
      Serotonin
    • Nicotine stimulates the release of acetylcholine, enhancing alertness and cognitive function.
    • Nicotine increases the inhibitory effects of GABA, reducing neuronal excitability.
      False
    • Match the neurotransmitter with its function in nicotine addiction:
      Dopamine ↔️ Euphoric effects and motivation
      Serotonin ↔️ Mood fluctuations during withdrawal
      Acetylcholine ↔️ Enhances alertness and cravings
      GABA ↔️ Regulates neuronal excitability
    • Which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with the brain's reward pathway in nicotine addiction?
      Dopamine
    • Low levels of serotonin during nicotine withdrawal can lead to anxiety and depression.
    • Prolonged nicotine use leads to tolerance and cravings due to its effects on acetylcholine.
    • What role does GABA play in nicotine addiction?
      Reduces neuronal excitability
    • Nicotine stimulates nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the VTA, causing a surge of dopamine release.
    • What brain region connects the VTA to the nucleus accumbens in nicotine addiction?
      Dopamine pathway
    • Nicotine causes a rapid and intense release of dopamine, which reinforces addictive behavior.
    • How does nicotine's effect on dopamine release compare to natural rewards?
      Stronger reinforcement
    • Chronic nicotine use leads to tolerance and reduced sensitivity of acetylcholine receptors.
    • What are the primary roles of GABA and glutamate in nicotine dependence?
      Regulate neuronal excitability
    • Nicotine reduces the release of GABA, which amplifies dopamine release and addictive behaviors.
    • Match the neuroadaptation mechanism with its definition:
      Tolerance ↔️ Reduced response to a substance
      Sensitization ↔️ Enhanced response to a substance
      Homeostatic Regulation ↔️ Restoring normal neuronal balance
    • Reinforcement learning in nicotine addiction involves both positive and negative reinforcement.
    • What is an example of positive reinforcement in nicotine addiction?
      Euphoric feelings from dopamine
    • What is an example of negative reinforcement in nicotine addiction?
      Avoiding withdrawal symptoms