If the caudate nucleus is damaged it fails to suppress the signals from the OFC allowing the thalamus to become hyperactive. Additional inherited possibilities include lower levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin and higher levels of dopamine. Low levels of serotonin have been implicated in OCD as it has been found that antidepressant drugs which increase serotonin levels are affective in reducing symptoms of OCD. Higher levels of dopamine as suspected as a possible cause for OCD because in animals higher levels of dopamine can lead to stereotyped movements that resemble the compulsions found in OCD sufferers. Genetic explanations for OCD are supported by family and twin studies.
Schizophrenia (SZ) is a complex disorder, for which biological explanations have been put forward, with varying degrees of success. One biological explanation which has been proposed for SZ is the Dopamine Hypothesis. This theory suggests that SZ results from over-activity in the brain dopamine (DA) systems. The excess in the brain’s DA systems is both an excess of DA being released from neurons into the synapse, and an excess of DA receptors, meaning that the excess DA released is absorbed into the nervous system. Schizophrenic patients also tend to have increased DA sensitivity, meaning that even if their brain’s DA systems were working at a ‘normal’ level their symptoms might still be present.
Abnormality is associated with change in brain or bodily functions. Neuroanatomy which believes that mental illnesses related to the physical structure of the brain; abnormal structure of the brain can lead to abnormal behaviour. For example, individuals with schizophrenia have been found to have enlarged spaces in their brain which indicates shrinking of brain tissue (Lawrie & Abukmeil, 1998). The development of the brain and body can be influenced by. Brain scans can be used to help diagnose some disorders.
Outline and evaluate one or more biological explanations for schizophrenia The biochemical explanation is one explanation for the cause of schizophrenia in terms of the release of neurotransmitters. This suggests that schizophrenia could be caused by an excess amount of dopamine in the brain. This is due to receptor cells requiring dopamine to fire so with a large amount of dopamine present it is activated too much and too many messages are sent. This is what could account for the confused and the erratic behaviour which is seen in schizophrenic patients. Support for this theory is the effect of amphetamines.
The use of methamphetamine is associated with long-term biochemical and structural effects on the brain and significantly changes how the brain functions. The excessive production of dopamine causes neuropathological changes in the brain and has a neurotoxic effect on the brain cells that store dopamine and serotonin. These changes include decreases in the levels of dopamine transporters as well as decreases in the density of serotonin transporters in various parts of the brain. Studies have demonstrated that daily use of methamphetamine results in increased cell death in the brain, which would have a negative effect on prefrontal cortex functioning. Changes in the activity of the dopamine system are associated with reduced motor skills and impaired verbal learning.
A man named Burton (2005) found that animals with rabies, a disease that causes destruction of the frontal cortex, had increased levels of aggression. This, as a study done on animals, is difficult to generalize across species, as well as this, it is highly possible that the acute pain, headaches, and fever are the cause of the aggression and not the brain damage. Studies have shown that decreased levels of serotonin in the brain can lead to aggression in humans. One such study was conducted by Bond who
Hydrocephalus is a condition in which there is an abnormal accumulation of Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the ventricles and cavities of the brain. This usually results in increased intracranial pressure. Increased intracranial pressure might result in the progressive enlargement of the head (a characteristic feature of this disease), seizures, mental disability, tunnel vision and even death. Ventricular system CSF is produced by the choroid plexus, which is located within the ventricular system at a rate of about 0.25 mL/min. CSF capacity of the lateral and third ventricles in a healthy person is 20 mL.
Felicia Lessard Introduction to Biology, SCI 120 Research Project Number: 25088100 DESIGNER BABIES There have been many social views on the topic of designer babies, which include a scientist point-of-view. Designer babies are those of which parents can make the rash decision to genetically alter their child so that they do not develop the genetic disorders that many of us have today. By using IVF or InVitro Fertilization as the method of altering the genes, doctors have been able to “custom make” unborn babies to portray or eliminate certain characteristics. What is a Designer Baby and How Are They Made? By definition, a “Designer Baby” is a genetically modified, unborn child.
Enhancing an inhibitor has the effect of making a person sluggish. Also, alcohol weakens the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamine, which enhances the sluggishness even farther. The Central Nervous System: The central nervous system (CNS) includes the brain, the spinal cord, and the nerves originating from it. Sensory impulses are transmitted to the CNS and motor impulses pass from it. When alcohol acts on the CNS, intoxication occurs, affecting emotional and sensory function, judgment, memory and learning ability.
Substance Abuse in Pregnant Women While pregnant, it is important that a woman takes care of her body not only for herself but for her unborn child. While in the womb, a fetus grows and develops from the nourishment from the mother via the placenta. However, along with nutrients, any toxins in the mother’s system may be delivered to the fetus. These toxins often cause damages to the development of organs. Substance abuse among women while pregnant is happening more frequently than it should.