BIO 203 Lecture Notes - Lecture 10: Central Nervous System, Peripheral Nervous System, Preterm Birth
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27 Mar 2019
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Stimulants
○ Drugs that excite the central nervous system (CNS)
○ Examples of stimulants:
■ Cocaine
■ Amphetamines
■ Nicotine
● Cocaine
○ Extracted from leaves of the coca plant
○ Naturally occurring alkaloid
○ Methods of intake:
■ Inhalation into nasal cavity (powder)
■ Smoking (freebase and crack)
● Amphetamines
○ Synthetically produced stimulants that closely resemble dopamine and
norepinephrine
○ example: methamphetamine (crystal meth)
○ Effects
■ Cause user to feel exhilarated and confident
■ Suppress appetite and need for sleep
■ Last longer than those produced by cocaine
■ Amphetamines cross the placenta and can affect the developing
fetus (premature birth, low-birth-weight)
○ Tolerance to amphetamines develops along with both physical and
psychological dependence
● Nicotine
○ Naturally occurring alkaloid ingredient in tobacco products
○ Highly addictive
○ Activates acetylcholine receptors
■ In the peripheral nervous system (PNS), increases heart rate and
blood pressure
■ In the CNS, facilitates the release of dopamine and serotonin,
which creates pleasurable feelings of relaxation
○ Increases heart rate
○ Constricts blood vessels
○ Increases blood pressure
○ Increases stickiness of platelets
■ Increases the likelihood of abnormal clots forming
■ Can cause a heart attack or stroke
Hallucinogens