Cocaine effects on body

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Subject:

Science and Technology

Institution Name:

California State University, Fullerton

Collection:

Video and Image Data Access

Grade Level:

Secondary

Abstract:

Imagine that the circles, called vesicles, at the top of the images are filled with molecules of dopamine, such as the arrow labeled as "1". The vesicles fuse with the axonal membrane to release the dopamine into the area called the synaptic gap. Dopamine can then activate the next axon ("6") or be recycled into the previous axon (through "5"). Cocaine blocks the channel that takes dopamine up again ("5"), so dopamine activates the next axon continuously. This can cause extreme mood swings.

Course Type:

Learning Module

Languages:

English

Material Type:

Curriculum Standards, Readings, Teaching and Learning Strategies

Media Format:

Graphics/Photos, Text/HTML

Curriculum Standards:

National Science Education Standards|California Science Content Standards

Conditions of Use:

Creative Commons Attribution 2.5
Creative Commons Attribution license unless otherwise noted on individual item.