2C neurons, neurotransmitters and neuromodulators Flashcards
what are neurons?
individual nerve cells that receive, process and transmit information. they also form connections (synapses) which allow them to communicate with each other.
what is the function of the axon?
transmits the action potential
what is the role of axon terminals?
releases neurochemicals into the synaptic gap
what is the function of dendrites?
contains receptors which neurochemicals bind to
how do neurons communicate with each other?
neurochemicals stored in vesicles are released into the synaptic gap when an action potential reaches the axon terminal. they cross the synaptic gap and bind with receptors triggering a response.
what are neurotransmitters?
a group of neurochemicals that has an excitatory or inhibitory effect on the postsynaptic neuron
what is excitatory effect?
increased chance of a post synaptic neuron firing an action potential
what is inhibitory effect?
decreased chance of the postsynaptic neuron firing an action potential
what is the primary excitatory neurotransmitter?
glutamate
what is glutamate?
enhances neural transmission by making the postsynaptic neuron more likely to fire an action potential. important for learning and memory.
what is primary inhibitory neurotransmitter?
GABA (gamma-amino butyric acid)
what is GABA?
primary inhibitory neurotransmitter of the brain, makes postsynaptic neurons less likely to fire an action potential. low levels of GABA are associated with anxiety.
what are neuromodulators?
molecules that have an effect on multiple postsynaptic neurons once relased into the synaptic gap, modulating neurons on a larger and longer term scale than neurotransmitters.
what are the two main neuromodulators?
dopamine and serotonin
what is dopamine?
neuromodulator involved in motivation, motor movement and pleasure. it is associated with addictive behaviours as we crave that ‘dopamine hit’
