Chapter 2: Nervous System Functioning Part 2 Flashcards

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1
Q

What are the 2 types of effects on neurotransmitters?

A
  • Excitatory effect

- Inhibitory effect

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2
Q

What is the excitatory effect of neurotransmitters?

A

It stimulates or activates presynaptic neurons to perform their functions.

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3
Q

What is the inhibitory effect of neurotransmitters?

A

It blocks or prevents presynaptic neurons from firing.

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4
Q

What is glutamate (Glu)?

A

It is the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the CNS, which enhances info transmission by making postsynaptic neurons more likely to fire.

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5
Q

What is glutamate associated with and what are the consequences when there is the wrong amount (give an example)?

A
  • The release of Glu is associated with enhanced learning and memory.
  • When there is too much or too little of Glu it can harm neurons and brain functioning (Eg. Abnormally high concentrations of glutamate can result in over-excitation of receiving neurons)
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6
Q

What is gamma-amino butyric acid (GABBA)?

A

It is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS, which works to make postsynaptic neurons less likely to fire.

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7
Q

What roles do GABBA and Glu play in the CNS?

A

They play important roles in regulating CNS arousal

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8
Q

Give an example of the consequences of low levels of GABBA:

A

It can lead to anxiety symptoms such as those experienced by people with phobias

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9
Q

What is GABBA able to counterbalance?

A

The inhibitory action of GABBA is able to counterbalance the excitatory activity of glutamate and vice versa.

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10
Q

Describe the lock-and-key process of neurotransmission:

A

Because each neurotransmitter has a chemically distinct shape, when one is released by a presynaptic neuron it searches for the correctly shaped receptor site on the dendrites of the postsynaptic neuron to bind to.
-Like a key in a lock, a neurotransmitter’s shape must perfectly match the shape of the receptor site

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11
Q

What is the effect of binding in the lock-and-key process?

A

Binding ‘unlocks’ the postsynaptic neurons’ responses so that neurotransmitters can cause changes to the neuron, resulting in either an excitatory or inhibitory effect.

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12
Q

What is Parkinson’s disease and why is it called a neurodegenerative disease?

A

A chronic and neurodegenerative condition that affects both motor and non-motor functions. It is neurodegenerative because the loss of neurons worsens over time.

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13
Q

List 4 key motor symptoms of Parkinson’s:

A
  • Tremors
  • Slowness of movement (Bradykinesia)
  • Muscle rigidity
  • Postural instability
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14
Q

List 2 key non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s:

A
  • Speech impairment

- Mental illnesses (Eg. Depression, anxiety)

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15
Q

What are tremors?

A

The continuous involuntary shaking of the body.

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16
Q

What is muscle rigidity?

A

Muscles seem unable to relax and are tight, even when at rest.

17
Q

What is postural instability?

A

Involves difficulty maintaining an upright posture and a steady balanced position.

18
Q

What is speech impairment?

A

Problems with verbal fluency, which can reduce the volume, clarity, and speed of speech.

19
Q

What is the effect of dopamine in Parkinson’s?

A
  • Parkinson’s causes a degeneration of the neurons in the substantia nigra, which produces dopamine neurotransmitters
  • Because dopamine is responsible for the smooth, coordinated functioning of the body’s muscles and movements when at rest or during periods of activity, those with Parkinson’s experience a reduction in these functions since there are fewer messages sent to the motor cortex.
20
Q

What is the fight-flight-freeze response?

A

Is initiated by the sympathetic nervous system and prepares the body to confront a stressful situation to optimise the chance of survival.

21
Q

What are the types of neurons in the spinal cord and what is their function?

A

Interneurons communicate messages between sensory and motor neurons at the spinal cord.

22
Q

Give 3 examples of physiological stress reactions:

A
  • Headaches
  • Stomach ulcers
  • Colds/flu
23
Q

Give an example for each of the 3 types of psychological stress reactions:

A

Behavioural: Changes to sleeping patterns
Emotional: Irritability
Cognitive: Decreased concentration