Question

How does cocaine affect the brain?

Answer 1

Answer:

b. Cocaine causes more neurotransmitters to be produced in the pleasure-sensing region of the brain  

Explanation:

Normally, a neuron releases dopamine into the synapse, where it binds to dopamine receptors on the adjacent neuron.

Thus, dopamine is a neurotransmitter. It carries a signal through neurons to the reward centres of the brain.

Dopamine transporters remove dopamine from the synapse so it can be recycled.  

Cocaine binds to the dopamine transporters and blocks the removal of dopamine from the synapse.

Dopamine then builds up in the synapse. This produces a larger dopamine signal to the pleasure-sensing areas of the brain.