Definition of pain and discussion as to why pain is protective signal. The types of pain: acute, chronic non malignant, and malignant are discussed and defined based on their symptoms and threshold. The psychological affect of pain, feelings of helpless and hopelessness caused by the length of pain and the severity. Endorphin production and function outlined. The function to inhibit the communication of pain and produce euphoria produced in response to pain, the blocking of neurotransmitters, the binding to specific opioid receptors, the inhibition of GABA production accompanied by an increase in Dopamine explained as the path taken by endorphins to lessen pain. Other ways in which endorphin production is stimulated is through laughter, exercise, food like chocolate, music, meditation and sex. "Exercise addiction" also discussed as being due to an intensity of euphoria created by exercise.
Nina attended the school outing today. She left at 9:30 with the group. We were able to discuss for 1/2 hour the history of anesthesia use from alcohol to propofol, as well as show how the structures chemically are related.
Discuss the history of anesthesia
The use of Barbiturates
Discuss Benzodiazepines, there use in the nervous system
Reintroduce endorphins, their pharmacology and internal and external stimuli to production.
Read and discussed the effects of the neurotransmitters Serotonin and Dopamine. The type of receptors involved and the physiological effects- The action psilocybin as a serotonin agonist was examined from a research paper. Nina had inquired yesterday, since she had read something about it.
The goal of anesthesia was outlined, the mode of action of local anesthesia outlined, and the stages of general anesthesia and its effect on the nervous system.
Session Minutes
60
Minutes Student Attended
60
Lesson Comments
Too much material for one class, we will continue it tomorrow.
We have continued working on the anatomy of the respiratory system. We have learned that the pharynx is divided into 3 regions: the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx.
Discuss analgesia-
Discuss acute and chronic pain-
Discuss endogenous secreted morphine like substances-endorphins-
Discuss binding of endorphins to specific mu receptors-
Perception of pain is in specific sensory areas of the brain.
endorphins help modify the pain
narcotic analgesics act as agonists, binding to the same receptors as endorphins, causing a decrease in perception and experience of pain.
Outline the reflex arc which allows a muscular response to a painful stimulus to occur before the perception of pain.
Session Minutes
60
Minutes Student Attended
60
Lesson Comments
The lesson was one which was prompted through many questions asked by Nina. it was a lesson which flowed from information she wanted to know about, more of a pharmacology lesson than a physiology lesson. It was good
Today, we divided the class into two different periods.
During the first period, we watched a short video based on the respiratory system.
During the second period, we continued studying the anatomy of the respiratory system and started working on the nose.
What occurs when the signal reaches the terminal end of the neuron? A diagram outlines the procedure, from release of neurotransmitter into the synaptic gap to inhibition of the neurotransmitter after binding to the post synaptic receptors. Define neurotransmitter and discuss the most common one called acetylcholine. Neurotransmitters can be excitatory or inhibitory.
They are released at nerve-nerve junctions and at neuromuscular junctions. They must be inactivated or will cause constant action potential and muscle stimulation. Cholinesterase is the inhibitor of acetylcholine. Agonists can be used to mimic the action of a neurotransmitter.
Session Minutes
60
Minutes Student Attended
60
Lesson Comments
On line lesson. Nina had lots of interesting questions
