How Does Caffeine Affect Your Brain?

Question

After 45 minutes the caffeine enters your bloodstream...then what happens next?

adrenosine receptors or something?

Please make the summary or answer understandable so a class of 16 year olds can understand it...

Answer 1

Basically how it work is that when the neurons are really active they use up their energy stores which is in the form of ATP (aka adenosine triphosphate).  

As the ATP is used up it is eventually broken down into lots of Adenosine.  Bare adenosine is the signal for the cell to say to the other neurons "I'm tired" and don't stimulate me since I'm low on ATP.    

It does this by releasing the adenosine (I'm tired signal) that binds to adenosine receptors on other neurons to tell them to stop sending signals to this particular neuron.

Now you drink your coffee or coke, the caffeine will bind to those same adenosine receptors and block them.  So the "I'm tired" signal never reaches the other neurons and they continue to fire and stimulate the neuron.

So these neurons will release higher amounts of various chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters.  These neurotransmitter will make you feel more alert (dopamine) and happy (serotonin)

Well that's the simplified version.  I think the kids should get an idea of it.

Answer 2

Caffeine is a central nervous system and metabolic stimulant, and is used both recreationally and medically to reduce physical fatigue and restore mental alertness when unusual weakness or drowsiness occurs. Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system first at the higher levels, resulting in increased alertness and wakefulness, faster and clearer flow of thought, increased focus, and better general body coordination, and later at the spinal cord level at higher doses.

Answer 3

i dont know..but i drink coffee loads right now to keep me awake for revision...i stay awake till 4-5am every morning..nd wake up @ 7:30 again...sit 2 3hour exams...and come home and do the same :)..so caffeine does sort of help!