Chapter 5 Flashcards
Acetylcholine (ACh)
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.
Activating System
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.
Alzheimer Disease
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.
Amino Acid Hormone
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.
Anabolic Steroid
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.
Anterograde Synaptic Transmission
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.
Autoreceptor
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.
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
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.
Chemical Synapse
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.
Cholinergic Neuron
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.
Dopamine (DA)
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.
Endocannabinoid
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.
Epinephrine (EP)
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.
Exocytosis
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.
G Protein
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.
Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)
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.
Gap Junction
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.
Glucocorticoid
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.
Glutamate (Glu)
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.
Gonadal (Sex) Hormone
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.
Histamine (H)
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.
Homeostatic Hormone
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.
Hydrogen Sulfide
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.
Ionotropic Receptor
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.
Lipid Hormone
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.
Major Depression
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.
Mania
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.
Metabotropic Receptor
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.
Neuromodulators
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.
Neuropeptide
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.
What is a defining feature of bipolar disorder?
It is a defining feature of bipolar disorder.
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What is a Metabotropic Receptor?
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
What are Neuromodulators?
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
What is a Neuropeptide?
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.
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