Chapter 2 Flashcards
excitatory postsynaptic potential
graded depolarization
inhibitory postsynaptic potential
temporary hyperpolarization of a membrane
postsynaptic neuron
neuron that receives transmission from another neuron
presynaptic neuron
neuron that delivers transmission to another neuron
reflex arc
circuit from sensory neuron to muscle response
spatial summation
combination of effects from two or more synapses onto a single neuron
spontaneous firing rate
periodic production of action potentials without synaptic input
synapse
gap as a point of communication between two neurons chemically
temporal summation
effect of repeated stimuli within a brief time
acetylcholine
modified amino acid
amino acids
glutamate, GABA, glycine, aspartate
amphetamine
drug that blocks reuptake of dopamine
autoreceptors
receptor on presynaptic neuron that provide negative feedback by responding to the released transmitter by inhibiting further release
cannabinoids
excites negative-feedback receptors on presynaptic cells
catecholamines
dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine
exocytosis
release of neurotransmitter from presynaptic neuron into synaptic cleft
g protein
gap junction
direct contact of one neuron with another, enabling electrical transmissions
ionotropic effects
synaptic effect that depend on rapid opening of a gate in the membrane
ligand-gated channels
channel that opens when a neurotransmitter attaches to it
metabotropic effects
sequence of metabolic reactions that produce slow, long-lasting effects
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, catecholamines or indoleamines