Action on Synapses

Question 1

What are nerve impulses transmitted along?

Answer 1

Neurone

Question 2

What are impulses conducted across the space by?

Answer 2

Neurotransmitters

Question 3

What are presynaptic neurones?

Answer 3

Neurones that conduct to the synapse

Question 4

What are post synaptic neurones?

Answer 4

Neurones that conduct the impulse away from the synapse

Question 5

Give 5 examples of neurotransmitters

Answer 5

1. Noradrenaline
2. Dopamine
3. Acetylcholine
4. Serotonin
5. GABA

Question 6

What can low levels of these neurotransmitters cause?

Answer 6

Noradrenaline - Depression
Dopamine - Parkinson's 
Acetylcholine - Alzheimer's 
Serotonin - Depression
GABA - Anxiety

Question 7

What can high levels of noradrenaline and dopamine cause?

Answer 7

Noradrenaline - Insomnia

Dopamine - Schizophrenia

Question 8

What is function of acetylcholine?

Answer 8

Enables muscle action, learning and memory

Question 9

What is function of dopamine?

Answer 9

Movement, attention and emotion

Question 10

What is function of noradrenaline?

Answer 10

Alertness, mood, increases heart rate

Question 11

What is function of serotonin?

Answer 11

Sleep, mood, hunger and arousal

Question 12

What is function of GABA?

Answer 12

Major inhibitory neurotransmitter

Question 13

What are 2 examples of antidepressants? Where do they act?

Answer 13

SSRIs and TCAs

Target neural transmitters - action in nerve synapse

Question 14

What is function of SSRIs?

Answer 14

Block re-uptake of serotonin –> increases level of serotonin in brain

Question 15

What is function of TCAs?

Answer 15

Block re-uptake of serotonin and noradrenaline –> increases levels in brain

Question 16

What is outcome of antidepressants?

Answer 16

Increase in serotonin (and noradrenaline) within synapse

Question 17

What does SSRI stand for?

Answer 17

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor

Question 18

What does TCA stand for?

Answer 18

Tricyclic Antidepressant