Thank you Denise for all the neuro-knowledge. I don’t remember how strungout on caffeine I was during the chapter that was hard to write, but I figure a little less caffeine can’t hurt.

I thought you would be interested to know that caffeine causes decreased reaction times (ie that “up” feeling or awake response) due to its inhibiting effects on adenosine receptors in neurons (which means dendrites). Adenosine is a neural inhibitor, so inhibit your inhibitor, and you get increased (disinhibited) neural activity. Contrary to popular belief, increased activity does not mean your neurons fire faster–which is impossible–but that more neurons are firing. In other words, maybe 4 neurons instead of 1 are now sending signals to a neuron’s dendrites, creating a higher level of excitatory neurotransmitter to enter into the synaptic cleft, thus causing the dendrites receptors to more rapidly receive the necessary amount of stimulation to acheive an action potential, causing the electric signal/wave to carry through the soma/axon. But, it’s easy to overdose on caffeine, and an overdose means jitters and poorer performance. So laying off all that super-caffeinated soda means better functioning, and fewer love handles. Stick to coffee is my motto. One cup, half caffeinated, and a smidge of half and half = excitatory effects without getting fat.

Wow. I hope you all died of boredom somewhere in there. Today, you and paddy have reminded me of my love for neuroanatomy. How I have missed you, my old friend.

If you can tread water in 5 ft, you can tread water in 1000. Just don’t do it until at least an hour after eating.