Chapter 10 Flashcards
-ergic
a combining form with the meanings “activated by,” “sensitive to,” “releasing,” “resembling the effect produced by” the substance or phenomenon specified by the initial element
Acetylcholine
first neurotransmitter to be discovered responsible for much of the stimulation of muscles, including the muscles of the gastro-intestinal system
Neurotransmitters
chemicals which allow the transmission of signals from one neuron to the next across synapses. They are also found at the axon endings of motor neurons, where they stimulate the muscle fibers
Cholinergic Receptors
The neurotransmitter acetylcholine is released from the terminals of all preganglionic neurons in both the sympathetic (orange) and the parasympathetic (blue) divisions of the ANS. There are two categories of cholinergic receptors – nicotinic and muscarinic.
Muscarinic Receptors
acetylcholine receptors that form G protein-receptor complexes in the cell membranes of certain neurons and other cells
Nicotinic Receptors
a channel protein that, upon binding by acetylcholine, opens to allow diffusion of cations
Curare (what is it, mechanisms of action)
toxic plant derivatives, specifically those from plants of the genus Strychnos. This compound and those related to it exercise their attempts by inhibiting the actions of acetylcholine at neuromuscular cross-sections, generating paralyzed conditions.
Looking for ACh in the brain
It is now known to be a neurotransmitter at all autonomic ganglia, at many autonomically innervated organs, at the neuromuscular junction, and at many synapses in the CNS
ACh roles/purpose in nervous system
neurotransmitter in the preganglionic sympathetic and parasympathetic neurons
Alzheimer’s Disease
a progressive disease that destroys memory and other important mental functions the brain cells themselves degenerate and die, causing a steady decline in memory and mental function.
Neurofibrillary tangles
hyperphosphorylated tau protein that are most commonly known as a primary marker of Alzheimer’s Disease
Senile (beta amyloidal) plaque
polymorphous beta-amyloid protein deposits found in the brain in Alzheimer disease and normal aging. This beta-amyloid protein is derived from a larger precursor molecule of which neurons are the principal producers in brain.
Monoamines
the particular neurotransmitters dopamine, noradrenaline and serotonin.
Monoamine Clearance
combined function of uptake mechanisms in the plasma membrane with intracellular metabolizing enzymes
Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT)
helps maintain appropriate levels of these neurotransmitters in the prefrontal cortex
Fluorescent Microscopy
image specific features of small specimens such as microbes. It is also used to visually enhance 3-D features at small scales. This can be accomplished by attaching fluorescent tags to anti-bodies that in turn attach to targeted features, or by staining in a less specific manner.
Alpha Receptors
components of receptor tissues that respond to norepinephrine and to various blocking agents. The activation of alpha receptors causes physiologic responses such as increased peripheral vascular resistance, pupil dilation, and contraction of arrector muscles.
Beta Receptors (1 & 2)
b1-adrenoceptors demonstrated equal affinity for adrenaline and nor- adrenaline while b2-adrenoceptors displayed a higher selectivity for nor-adrenaline than for adrenaline.
Norepinephrine – origins and roles in nervous system
associated with bringing our nervous systems into “high alert.” It is prevalent in the sympathetic nervous system, and it increases our heart rate and our blood pressure.
Serotonin – origins and roles in nervous system
inhibitory neurotransmitter that has been found to be intimately involved in emotion and mood. Too little serotonin has been shown to lead to depression, problems with anger control, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and suicide.
Serotonin and OCD
low serotonin levels are associated with OCD
Clomipramine (brand name Anafranil) for treating OCD
tricyclic antidepressant. It affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced.
Monoamines and Depression
predicts that the underlying pathophysiologic basis of depression is a depletion in the levels of serotonin, norepinephrine, and/or dopamine in the central nervous system.
Suicidal Ideation
abnormally low levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin, in addition to changes to the structure and function of the brain, can increase the risk for many mental illnesses, including those that cause suicidal thoughts and behaviors
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
a procedure, done under general anesthesia, in which small electric currents are passed through the brain, intentionally triggering a brief seizure. ECT seems to cause changes in brain chemistry that can quickly reverse symptoms of certain mental illnesses.
Dopamine – origins and roles
neurotransmitter that helps control the brain’s reward and pleasure centers. Dopamine also helps regulate movement and emotional responses
Parkinson’s Disease
dopamine deficiency causes parkinson it is a chronic and progressive movement disorder
Deep Brain Stimulation
nonsurgical treatment to reduce tremor and to block involuntary movements in patients with motion disorders. Small electric shocks are delivered to the thalamus (especially in the treatment of multiple sclerosis) or the globus pallidus (especially in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease), rendering these parts of the brain inactive without surgically destroying them.
Tourette Syndrome
abnormalities in certain brain regions (including the basal ganglia, frontal lobes, and cortex), the circuits that interconnect these regions, and the neurotransmitters (dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine) responsible for communication among nerve cells. Causes tics
Echopraxia
involuntary repetition or imitation of another person’s actions
Coprolalia
involuntary and repetitive use of obscene language, as a symptom of mental illness or organic brain disease.
Echolalia
meaningless repetition of another person’s spoken words as a symptom of psychiatric disorder.
Palilalia
speech disorder characterized by involuntary repetition of words, phrases, or sentences.
Dopamine antagonist
medication or drug that prevents the actions stimulated by dopamine.
Haloperidol (Haldol)
type of dopamine antagonist blocks.It also is used to control tics and vocal utterances that are part of Tourette’s syndrome.
