Chapter 5 Flashcards

1
Q

Acetylcholine (ACh)

A

A neurotransmitter involved in muscle contraction, learning, and memory. It plays a key role in both the central and peripheral nervous systems.

Example sentence: Acetylcholine is released at the neuromuscular junction to stimulate muscle contraction.

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2
Q

Activating System

A

A network of neural pathways that regulate arousal and attention. These systems are essential for maintaining wakefulness and responding to stimuli.

Additional information: The activating system includes structures like the reticular activating system in the brainstem.

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3
Q

Alzheimer Disease

A

A progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by memory loss, cognitive decline, and personality changes. It is associated with the accumulation of amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain.

Example sentence: Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia.

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4
Q

Amino Acid Hormone

A

Hormones derived from amino acids, such as thyroid hormones and catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine). They play crucial roles in metabolism, stress responses, and various physiological processes.

Example sentence: Thyroid hormones regulate metabolism and energy production.

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5
Q

Anabolic Steroid

A

Synthetic substances similar to the male sex hormone testosterone. They promote muscle growth and enhance athletic performance but can have serious side effects.

Example sentence: Athletes may abuse anabolic steroids to gain a competitive edge.

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6
Q

Anterograde Synaptic Transmission

A

The process by which a presynaptic neuron communicates with a postsynaptic neuron via neurotransmitter release. It ensures the forward flow of information in neural circuits.

Additional information: This process involves the release of neurotransmitters like glutamate or GABA.

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7
Q

Autoreceptor

A

A receptor located on a neuron that responds to the neurotransmitter released by that neuron. It helps regulate neurotransmitter release and maintain synaptic balance.

Example sentence: Autoreceptors control the amount of dopamine released by neurons.

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8
Q

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

A

A colorless, odorless gas that can be lethal in high concentrations. It binds to hemoglobin more effectively than oxygen, impairing oxygen transport in the blood.

Example sentence: Carbon monoxide poisoning can lead to symptoms like headache and dizziness.

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9
Q

Chemical Synapse

A

A junction where neurotransmitters are released from one neuron to communicate with another neuron. This type of synapse allows for complex and regulated signaling in the nervous system.

Additional information: The synaptic cleft is the space between the pre- and postsynaptic neurons.

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10
Q

Cholinergic Neuron

A

A neuron that primarily uses acetylcholine as its neurotransmitter. These neurons are involved in many functions, including motor control and autonomic nervous system regulation.

Example sentence: Cholinergic neurons play a role in controlling heart rate and digestion.

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11
Q

Dopamine (DA)

A

A neurotransmitter involved in reward, motivation, and motor control. Dysregulation of dopamine levels is implicated in disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and schizophrenia.

Example sentence: Dopamine release in the brain is associated with feelings of pleasure.

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12
Q

Endocannabinoid

A

Naturally occurring neurotransmitters that bind to cannabinoid receptors in the brain. They influence processes such as mood, appetite, and pain sensation.

Example sentence: Endocannabinoids are involved in regulating stress responses.

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13
Q

Epinephrine (EP)

A

Also known as adrenaline, it is both a hormone and neurotransmitter. It prepares the body for fight-or-flight responses by increasing heart rate, blood flow, and energy availability.

Example sentence: Epinephrine is released in response to stressful situations.

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14
Q

Exocytosis

A

The process by which cells release substances, such as neurotransmitters, through vesicles merging with the plasma membrane. This mechanism is crucial for neuronal communication.

Example sentence: Exocytosis is a key step in the release of neurotransmitters at the synapse.

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15
Q

G Protein

A

Guanine nucleotide, A protein that transduces signals from neurotransmitters or hormones outside the cell to the inside, activating various intracellular pathways. G proteins play a key role in many physiological processes.

Additional information: G proteins can be classified into different families based on their structure and function.

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16
Q

Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)

A

The main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. It reduces neuronal excitability and prevents overstimulation, contributing to calming effects.

Example sentence: GABAergic neurons help maintain a balance between excitation and inhibition in the brain.

17
Q

Gap Junction

A

A direct connection between the cytoplasm of two cells, allowing ions and small molecules to pass freely. These junctions facilitate rapid and coordinated cell communication.

Example sentence: Gap junctions play a role in synchronizing electrical activity between cardiac muscle cells.

18
Q

Glucocorticoid

A

A type of steroid hormone involved in regulating metabolism, immune response, and stress. Cortisol is a well-known glucocorticoid that helps the body respond to stress.

Example sentence: Glucocorticoids have anti-inflammatory effects in the body.

19
Q

Glutamate (Glu)

A

The primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. It is crucial for synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory.

Example sentence: Glutamate receptors are important targets for drug development in neurological disorders.

20
Q

Gonadal (Sex) Hormone

A

Hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone produced by the gonads. They regulate sexual development, reproduction, and secondary sexual characteristics.

Additional information: Gonadal hormones play a role in the menstrual cycle and fertility.

21
Q

Histamine (H)

A

A neurotransmitter and immune system mediator involved in allergic reactions, gastric acid secretion, and sleep-wake regulation. It plays diverse roles in both the central and peripheral systems.

Example sentence: Antihistamines block the action of histamine during allergic responses.

22
Q

Homeostatic Hormone

A

Hormones that maintain internal stability and physiological balance. Examples include insulin, which regulates blood glucose levels, and aldosterone, which controls blood pressure.

Example sentence: Homeostatic hormones help keep the body’s internal environment constant.

23
Q

Hydrogen Sulfide

A

A gas that acts as a signaling molecule, influencing vascular and neuronal functions. Despite its toxicity in high concentrations, it has important roles in modulating various physiological processes.

Additional information: Hydrogen sulfide is produced naturally in the body and has effects on blood vessel dilation.

24
Q

Ionotropic Receptor

A

A type of receptor that forms an ion channel pore. When a neurotransmitter binds to it, the channel opens, allowing ions to flow across the membrane and alter the cell’s electrical state.

Example sentence: Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are ionotropic receptors.

25
Q

Lipid Hormone

A

Hormones derived from lipids, such as steroid hormones and prostaglandins. They are involved in a wide range of physiological processes, including inflammation, metabolism, and reproduction.

Example sentence: Prostaglandins are lipid hormones that regulate inflammation and pain.

26
Q

Major Depression

A

A mood disorder characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, and impaired daily functioning. It involves complex interactions between genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors.

Example sentence: Major depression is a common mental health condition worldwide.

27
Q

Mania

A

A mental state characterized by abnormally elevated mood, increased energy, and impulsive behavior. It is a defining feature of bipolar disorder.

Example sentence: During a manic episode, individuals may engage in risky behaviors.

28
Q

Metabotropic Receptor

A

A type of receptor that indirectly influences ion channels or other cellular functions through signaling cascades involving G proteins. These receptors mediate slower but more prolonged effects than ionotropic receptors.

Example sentence: Metabotropic receptors can modulate synaptic plasticity in the brain.

29
Q

Neuromodulators

A

Chemicals that modulate the activity of neurons, often affecting a broad area of the nervous system. They can alter the strength and effectiveness of synaptic transmission.

Example sentence: Neuromodulators like serotonin play a role in regulating mood and emotion.

30
Q

Neuropeptide

A

chemical messengers made up of small chains of amino acids that are synthesized and released by neurons. Neuropeptides typically bind to G protein-coupled receptors to modulate neural activity and other tissues like the gut, muscles, and heart.

Additional information: Neuropeptides can have diverse effects on neuronal function and behavior.

31
Q

What is a defining feature of bipolar disorder?

A

It is a defining feature of bipolar disorder.

No additional information

32
Q

What is a Metabotropic Receptor?

A

A type of receptor that indirectly influences ion channels or other cellular functions through signaling cascades involving G proteins. These receptors mediate slower but more prolonged effects than ionotropic receptors.

No additional information

33
Q

What are Neuromodulators?

A

Chemicals that modulate the activity of neurons, often affecting a broad area of the nervous system. They can alter the strength and effectiveness of synaptic transmission.

No additional information

34
Q

What is a Neuropeptide?

A

Small protein-like molecules used by neurons to communicate with each other. They often act as neuromodulators and can influence a variety of brain functions, including pain perception and emotional responses.

No additional information