Drugs, Society and Human Behavior

1. (a) Develop an outline of the components of the human nervous system, inclusive of the CNS (central nervous system), the somatic system, and both divisions of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). Include in your outline the major distinctions among these systems. (b) List and describe briefly the major structures of the brain, as presented in your textbook, including the function of those elements that are most closely related to psychoactive drug action. (c) Describe the life cycle of a typical neurotransmitter. (d) Demonstrate your understanding of the basic action of a psychoactive drug when it alters the availability of a neurotransmitter at the synapse or when a drug interacts with a neurotransmitter at a receptor site. In short, show how a psychoactive drug tends to work. Consider the use of a schematic drawing or diagram in formulating your response.