Electrical potential of -70 mvolts results Flow of electrons is called polarization and depolarization. Drugs such as novacaine and lidocaine interfere with the polarization-depolarization process. Myelin sheath speeds up polarization-depolarization process of information transmission from .5 meters per second to 120 meters per second. Multiple Sclerosis is a disease which attacks the myelin sheath of many neurons. Describe the process by which information is carried across a synapse.
Neurotransmitters are chemicals which pass information across the synaptic gap.
Drugs can slow or speed transmission across the gap. Parkinsons disease is related to the neurotransmitter dopamine. Causes muscle control problems. Excessive use of amphetamine can interfere with this process and cause a condition called amphetamine psychosis. Schizophrenia may be caused by problems at this level.