Alejandra has started to use heroin. How will this MOST likely affect her body systems?
(1 point)
It will fill the lungs with toxic material.
It will release serotonin and dopamine to the brain.
It will block the transmission of pain signals to her brain.
It will slow down the central nervous system.
It will fill the lungs with toxic material.
The correct answer is: It will slow down the central nervous system.
The correct answer is: It will slow down the central nervous system.
Explanation:
When heroin is used, it enters the bloodstream and travels to the brain where it binds to specific receptors called opioid receptors. This triggers a series of events that result in the slowing down of the central nervous system. Heroin is a depressant drug, meaning it inhibits the activity of the nervous system. This leads to a decrease in brain activity, slower heartbeat, breathing, and mental functioning.
To arrive at this answer, let's examine each option:
1. It will fill the lungs with toxic material: While drug use can have harmful effects on the respiratory system, specifically through smoking or injecting drugs, this option is not specific to heroin use. Additionally, heroin does not directly fill the lungs with toxic material like smoke from cigarettes would.
2. It will release serotonin and dopamine to the brain: While it is true that heroin use can lead to the release of serotonin and dopamine, the primary effect of heroin is not the release of these neurotransmitters. Rather, it stimulates the opioid receptors in the brain, resulting in a slowing down of the central nervous system.
3. It will block the transmission of pain signals to her brain: Heroin does have analgesic properties, meaning it can block or reduce the perception of pain. However, this is not the primary effect of heroin on the body systems.
4. It will slow down the central nervous system: This is the correct answer. Heroin is a central nervous system depressant, meaning it slows down the activity of the nervous system, resulting in decreased brain activity, heart rate, and breathing.