1.1 Flashcards
neurotransmitters and behavior
neurotransmitters and synapses
specific neurotransmitters function at specific kinds of synapses
why are neurotransmitters so important?
(1) the nervous system relies on chemical couriers such as neurotransmitters to communicate information to the neurons.
(2) fundamental to behavior, playing a key role in everything from muscle movements to mood and mental health.
what is acetylcholine? ( ACh )
(1) found throughout the nervous system, only transmitter between the motor neurons and the voluntary muscles.
(2) released by motor neurons controlling the skeletal muscles
(3) contributes to the regulation of attention, arousal and memory.
(4) some ach receptors are stimulated by nicotine
(5) dysregulation of ACh causes Alzheimer’s disease.
what are monoamines?
three monoamines- dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin. neurons using these transmitters regulate many aspects of everyday behaviour.
what is dopamine?
(1) dopamine contributes to the control of voluntary movements
(2) cocaine and amphetamines elevate activity at DA synapses.
(3) dopamine circuits the medial forebrain bundle characterized as the “reward pathway”
(4) dysregulation- depressive disorders
what is norepinephrine?
(1) NE contributes to the modulation of mood and arousal.
(2) cocaine and amphetamines elevate activity at NE synapses
(3) dysregulation- depressive disorders
what is serotonin?
(1) involved in the regulation of sleep, wakefulness, aggression and eating.
(2) prozac and similar antidepressant drugs can affect serotonin circuits
(3) dysregulation- depressive disorders, OCD, and eating disorders.
what is GABA?
(1) amino acid that seems to produce only inhibitory postsynaptic potentials
(2) serves as a widely-distributed inhibitory transmitter which contributes to the regulation of anxiety and sleep.
(3) valium and similar antianxiety drugs work at GABA synapses
(4) dysregulation- anxiety disorders
what are endorphins?
internally produced chemicals which resemble opiates in structure and effects.
