Action Potentials and Synaptic Transmission Flashcards
How is the vesicle membrane recovered? (term and process)
endocytosis- bits of the presynaptic membrane are “pinched off”
What are the two main types of receptor?
There are two main types of receptor- ones directly associated with an ion channel (ionotropic) and that it opens and a metabotropic receptor. This is a receptor that sets off a series of biochemical changes that indirectly triggers the opening of an ion channel (metabotropic). A “biochemical cascade” links the receptor and the ion channel.
What are three differences between motor neurons and cerebral neurons (Huxley et al studied motor neurons in squids)?
Many cerebral neurons fire constantly without the need for an electrical input
Many cerebral neurons do not produce an action potential.
The dendrites of some cerebral neurons can actively conduct action potentials
Where do axodendritic synapses terminate?
On dendritic spines
What is the difference between directed synapses and indirect synapses?
directed synapses have the presynaptic element and the post synaptic element close to each other. Indirect synapses have the presynaptic element and postsynaptic element more far apart.
What is a ligand?
A molecule that fits into another.
What are autotrophic receptors?
They are receptors on the presynaptic element increase/reduce neurotransmitter release (i.e. they trigger more or less reuptake)
What are 4 types of amino acid neurotransmitters?
glutamate, aspartate, glycine, GABA
What are 4 types of monoamine neurotransmitters?
dopamine, epinephrine (adrenaline), norepinephrine (noradrenaline), serotonin.
What are the two types of monoamines?
catecholamines and indolamines
What are the different types of neurotransmitter?
What are the different responses these produce?
small molecule neurotransmitters and neuropeptides.
Small molecule neurotransmitters produce rapid, brief signals while neuropeptides produce slow, long lasting signals.
what is retrograde transmission?
when transmission occurs from the postsynaptic element to the presynaptic element.
What is Botox?
A neurotoxin released by a bacteria found in special food.
What are gap junctions?
narrow spaces between cells that are bridged by fine tubular, cytoplasm filled protein channels that can pass electrical between cells- more rapidly than chemical synapses.
What is antidromic and orthodromic conduction?
orthodromic conduction is from the presynaptic element to the postsynaptic element, antidromic is vice versa
