CH 2.2 Key Terms Flashcards
2-AG (sn-2 arachidonylglycerol)
chemical that binds to cannabinoid receptors
Acetylcholine
a chemical similar to an amino acid, except that it includes an group instead of an , group
Acetylcholinesterase
enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine into acetate and choline
Amino Acids
acids containing an amine group (NH2)
Amphetamine
a drug that blocks reuptake of dopamine and other neurotransmitters
Anandamide
endogenous chemical that binds to cannabinoid receptors
Anterior Pituitary
portion of the pituitary gland, composed of glandular tissue
Autoreceptors
receptor on a presynaptic neuron that responds to the released transmitter by inhibiting further release of it
Cocaine
a drug that blocks reuptake of dopamine
COMT(catechol-o-methyltransferase)
enzyme that breaks down excess dopamine into inactive chemicals that cannot stimulate the dopamine receptors
Endocrine (hormone-producing) glands
hormone-producing glands
Exocytosis
a release of neurotransmitter from the presynaptic neuron into the synaptic cleft
Gap Junction
a direct contact of one neuron with another, enabling electrical transmission
G Protein
a protein coupled to guanosine triphosphate (GTP), an energy-storing molecule
Gases
one of the categories of neurotransmitters, including nitric oxide and possibly others
Hallucinogenic Drugs
drugs that distort perception
Hormone
chemical that is secreted by cells in one part of the body and conveyed by the blood to influence other cells
Ionotropic effects
synaptic effects that depend on the rapid opening of some kind of gate in the membrane
Ligand-Hated
channel that opens when a neurotransmitter attaches
MAO
enzyme that converts catecholamines and serotonin into synaptically inactive chemicals MAOIs. See Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
Metabotropic effects
a sequence of metabolic reactions that produce slow and long-lasting effects at a synapse
Methylphenidate
stimulant drug prescribed for ADHD that increases the stimulation of dopamine synapses by blocking the reuptake of dopamine by the presynaptic neuron
Monoamines
chemicals formed by a change in certain amino acids
Neuromodulators
chains of amino acids
Neuropeptides
chains of amino acids
Neurotransmitters
chemicals released by neurons that affect other neurons
Nicotine
a stimulant drug that stimulates certain acetylcholine receptors
Nitric Oxide
a gas released by many small local neurons
Opiate Drugs
drugs derived from the opium poppy
Oxytocin
hormone released by posterior pituitary; important for sexual and parental behaviors
Peptide Hormones
hormones composed of short chains of amino acids
Pituitary Gland
an endocrine gland attached to the base of the hypothalamus
Posterior Pituitary
portion of the pituitary gland, which releases hormones synthesized by the hypothalamus
Protein Hormones
hormones composed of long chains of amino acids
Purines
a category of chemicals including adenosine and several of its derivatives
Releasing Hormones
hormone released by the hypothalamus that flows to the anterior pituitary
Reuptake
reabsorption of a neurotransmitter by the presynaptic terminal
Second Messenger
a chemical that, when activated by a neurotransmitter, initiates communication to many areas within the neuron
Transmitter-Gated
ion channel that opens temporarily when a neurotransmitter binds to it
Transporters
special membrane protein that moves the neurotransmitter back into the presynaptic neuron
Vasopressin
(antidiuretic hormone) hormone
released by posterior pituitary; raises blood pressure and enables kidneys to conserve water
Vesicles
tiny nearly spherical packets filled with neurotransmitter molecules
