1.1.1 Neurotransmitters (Bi) x Flashcards
What are neurones?
Nerve cells that process and transmit electrochemical messages
What do multiple neurones form?
A pathway
Do neurons physically connect?
No
What are the gaps between neurons?
Synapses
How does the message get across the synapse?
By neurotransmitters
What are neurotransmitters?
Electrochemical messengers that transfer messages across synaptic gaps from one neuron to the next
What is re-uptake
The re-absorption of neurotransmitters (neurotransmitters can also be broken down)
What do different neurotransmitters have?
Different effects on behaviour
What is serotonin and what is it involved in?
A neurotransmitter involved in:
•sleep
•arousal levels
•emotional experience
What are low levels of serotonin associated with?
- mood disorders
- eating disorders
- sleep disorders
Give an example of a mood disorder that low levels of serotonin are linked with:
• Depression
Give examples of behaviour associated with depression:
- withdrawal from activities
- self harm
- low personal hygiene
Give an example of an eating disorder low levels of serotonin is associated with:
Bulimia
Give examples of behaviours associated with bulimia:
- binging
* purging
Give an example of a sleeping disorder low levels of serotonin are associated with:
• insomnia
Give an example of a behaviour associated with insomnia:
• difficulty getting to sleep and staying asleep
What does the neurotransmitter assumption say?
Behaviour can be explained in terms of neurotransmitter activity
What is ACh?
The neurotransmitter associate with memory consolidation
What is loss of ACh associated with?
Memory loss in Alzheimer’s disease
What are behaviours associated with Alzheimer’s?
- sudden mood swings
* unpredicted violence
What is dopamine?
The neurotransmitter involved in learning, arousal and pleasure
What are high levels of dopamine associated with?
- addictions
* positive symptoms of schizophrenia (delusions and hallucinations)
What is ACh?
The neurotransmitter associate with memory consolidation
What is loss of ACh associated with?
Memory loss in Alzheimer’s disease
What are behaviours associated with Alzheimer’s?
- sudden mood swings
* unpredicted violence
What is dopamine?
The neurotransmitter involved in learning, arousal and pleasure
What are high levels of dopamine associated with?
- addictions
* positive symptoms of schizophrenia (delusions and hallucinations)
What is GABA?
Neurotransmitter which reduces the excitability of neurons and has a calming effect on the brain
What are low levels of GABA associated with?
Anxiety, people become short tempered and withdraw from activities
