Cells, Synapses, and Neurotransmitter Systems Flashcards
What is the function of an Astrocyte?
Structural support; Transport substances from blood to neurons. Wrap themselves around the synapse of two neurons and help control calcium signaling (Tripartite synapse)
What is the function of an oligodendrocyte?
Myelinate many axons at once in white matter
What is the function of an ependymal cell?
Line ventricles of the brain
Discuss Neurotrophic factors
When neurons are deprived of them, they die via apoptosis.
- Brain-derived neurotrophic factor
- Neurotrophin-3
- Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor
What are the 3 major groups of neurotransmitters?
Amino acids, amines and neuropeptides
Name the amino acid small molecule neurotransmitters
Glutamate, GABA, glycine
Name the amine small molecule neurotransmitters
Acetylcholine, Dopamine, Norepinephrine, Serotonin and Histamine
Name the Neuropeptides
Cholecystokinin, Substance P, Enkephalin, and Somatostatin
Discuss Fast neurotransmission
Occurs between EPSPs and IPSPs. Ligand-gated ion channels are the receptor type. The most common EPSP in the CNS is glutamate, IPSP is GABA.
Discuss Neuromodulation
The release of a chemical from a neuron the either alters the efficiency of a neurons synaptic transmission or cellular properties. Must interact with G-protein coupled receptors (Metabotropic receptors)
What are the 5 neurotransmitter projection systems in the CNS?
Acetylcholine, dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin, and histamine
Discuss the Acetylcholine system (Basal Forebrain group)
Cholinergic neurons are in the basal forebrain
Basal Forebrain: Medial septal nucleus group project to the hippocampus.
Nucleus basalis: Nuclei project to cerebral cortex.
Discuss the Acetylcholine system (Pontomesencephalic complex)
Comprised of the pedunculopontine nucleus and laterodorsal tegmental nucleus, is located in the brainstem. Project to the thalamus; Controls arousal, sleep-wake cycles and muscle contraction.
Discuss the 4 Dopamine systems
- Nigrostriatal pathway: Neurons in the substantia nigra project to the striatum. (Voluntary movements)
- Mesolimbic pathway: Neurons in the ventral tegmental area innervate the frontal cortex, hippocampus and nucleus accumbens (reward system)
- Mesocortical pathway: VTA neurons project to the prefrontal cortex. Damage characteristic of parkinsons.
- Tuberoinfundibular pathway: Originate in the hypothalamus, released into capillary plexus of hypophyseal portal system.
Discuss the Norepinephrine system
The locus ceruleus of the pons and laterl tegmental area of the medulla contain neurons that project to all parts of the brain. (Mood, anxiety, pain, arousal and attention)
