CH 2.2 Key Terms

Question 1

2-AG (sn-2 arachidonylglycerol)

Answer 1

chemical that binds to cannabinoid receptors

Question 2

Acetylcholine

Answer 2

a chemical similar to an amino acid, except that it includes an group instead of an , group

Question 3

Acetylcholinesterase

Answer 3

enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine into acetate and choline

Question 4

Amino Acids

Answer 4

acids containing an amine group (NH2)

Question 5

Amphetamine

Answer 5

a drug that blocks reuptake of dopamine and other neurotransmitters

Question 6

Anandamide

Answer 6

endogenous chemical that binds to cannabinoid receptors

Question 7

Anterior Pituitary

Answer 7

portion of the pituitary gland, composed of glandular tissue

Question 8

Autoreceptors

Answer 8

receptor on a presynaptic neuron that responds to the released transmitter by inhibiting further release of it

Question 9

Cocaine

Answer 9

a drug that blocks reuptake of dopamine

Question 10

COMT(catechol-o-methyltransferase)

Answer 10

enzyme that breaks down excess dopamine into inactive chemicals that cannot stimulate the dopamine receptors

Question 11

Endocrine (hormone-producing) glands

Answer 11

hormone-producing glands

Question 12

Exocytosis

Answer 12

a release of neurotransmitter from the presynaptic neuron into the synaptic cleft

Question 13

Gap Junction

Answer 13

a direct contact of one neuron with another, enabling electrical transmission

Question 14

G Protein

Answer 14

a protein coupled to guanosine triphosphate (GTP), an energy-storing molecule

Question 15

Gases

Answer 15

one of the categories of neurotransmitters, including nitric oxide and possibly others

Question 16

Hallucinogenic Drugs

Answer 16

drugs that distort perception

Question 17

Hormone

Answer 17

chemical that is secreted by cells in one part of the body and conveyed by the blood to influence other cells

Question 18

Ionotropic effects

Answer 18

synaptic effects that depend on the rapid opening of some kind of gate in the membrane

Question 19

Ligand-Hated

Answer 19

channel that opens when a neurotransmitter attaches

Question 20

MAO

Answer 20

enzyme that converts catecholamines and serotonin into synaptically inactive chemicals MAOIs. See Monoamine oxidase inhibitors

Question 21

Metabotropic effects

Answer 21

a sequence of metabolic reactions that produce slow and long-lasting effects at a synapse

Question 22

Methylphenidate

Answer 22

stimulant drug prescribed for ADHD that increases the stimulation of dopamine synapses by blocking the reuptake of dopamine by the presynaptic neuron

Question 23

Monoamines

Answer 23

chemicals formed by a change in certain amino acids

Question 24

Neuromodulators

Answer 24

chains of amino acids

Question 25

Neuropeptides

Answer 25

chains of amino acids

Question 26

Neurotransmitters

Answer 26

chemicals released by neurons that affect other neurons

Question 27

Nicotine

Answer 27

a stimulant drug that stimulates certain acetylcholine receptors

Question 28

Nitric Oxide

Answer 28

a gas released by many small local neurons

Question 29

Opiate Drugs

Answer 29

drugs derived from the opium poppy

Question 30

Oxytocin

Answer 30

hormone released by posterior pituitary; important for sexual and parental behaviors

Question 31

Peptide Hormones

Answer 31

hormones composed of short chains of amino acids

Question 32

Pituitary Gland

Answer 32

an endocrine gland attached to the base of the hypothalamus

Question 33

Posterior Pituitary

Answer 33

portion of the pituitary gland, which releases hormones synthesized by the hypothalamus

Question 34

Protein Hormones

Answer 34

hormones composed of long chains of amino acids

Question 35

Purines

Answer 35

a category of chemicals including adenosine and several of its derivatives

Question 36

Releasing Hormones

Answer 36

hormone released by the hypothalamus that flows to the anterior pituitary

Question 37

Reuptake

Answer 37

reabsorption of a neurotransmitter by the presynaptic terminal

Question 38

Second Messenger

Answer 38

a chemical that, when activated by a neurotransmitter, initiates communication to many areas within the neuron

Question 39

Transmitter-Gated

Answer 39

ion channel that opens temporarily when a neurotransmitter binds to it

Question 40

Transporters

Answer 40

special membrane protein that moves the neurotransmitter back into the presynaptic neuron

Question 41

Vasopressin | (antidiuretic hormone) hormone

Answer 41

released by posterior pituitary; raises blood pressure and enables kidneys to conserve water

Question 42

Vesicles

Answer 42

tiny nearly spherical packets filled with neurotransmitter molecules