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Behavioral Neuroscience > Chapter 5_Signaling Between Neurons > Flashcards

Chapter 5_Signaling Between Neurons Flashcards

1
Q

Electrical synapses

A

Synapses where electrical signals pass directly from one neuron to another through gap junctions, allowing for rapid signal transmission.

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2
Q

Chemical synapses

A

Synapses where neurotransmitters are released from one neuron and bind to receptors on another neuron, allowing for slower, but more modifiable, signal transmission.

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3
Q

Connexons

A

Protein channels that form gap junctions in electrical synapses, allowing ions and small molecules to pass directly between cells.

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4
Q

Synaptic vesicles

A

Membrane-bound sacs in the presynaptic neuron that store neurotransmitters and release them into the synaptic cleft upon receiving an action potential.

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5
Q

Neurotransmitters

A

Chemical substances released by neurons at synapses that transmit signals to other neurons, muscle cells, or gland cells.

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6
Q

Synaptic cleft

A

The small gap between the presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons at a chemical synapse, across which neurotransmitters diffuse to transmit a signal.

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7
Q

Ionotropic receptors

A

Receptors that directly control an ion channel when a neurotransmitter binds to them, resulting in rapid changes in the postsynaptic cell’s membrane potential.

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8
Q

Metabotropic receptors

A

Receptors that indirectly influence ion channels through the activation of second messengers when a neurotransmitter binds to them, leading to slower but more prolonged effects on the postsynaptic cell.

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9
Q

Exocytosis

A

The process by which synaptic vesicles fuse with the presynaptic membrane to release neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft.

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10
Q

Endocytosis

A

The process by which a cell takes in materials from the outside by engulfing and fusing them with its plasma membrane, often used by neurons to retrieve synaptic vesicle membrane after neurotransmitter release.

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11
Q

Synaptic plasticity

A

The ability of synapses to strengthen or weaken over time, in response to increases or decreases in their activity, which is crucial for learning and memory.

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12
Q

Retrograde signaling

A

Communication that travels from the postsynaptic neuron back to the presynaptic neuron, often involving signaling molecules like endocannabinoids.

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13
Q

Endocannabinoids

A

Lipid-based neurotransmitters that bind to cannabinoid receptors and can modulate neurotransmitter release, involved in retrograde signaling.

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14
Q

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid)

A

The primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, which reduces neuronal excitability.

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15
Q

Glutamate

A

The primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, involved in most aspects of normal brain function including cognition, memory, and learning.

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16
Q

Acetylcholine

A

A neurotransmitter involved in muscle activation, attention, and arousal.

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17
Q

Dopamine

A

A neurotransmitter involved in reward, motivation, and motor control, with dysfunctions linked to conditions like Parkinson’s disease and schizophrenia.

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18
Q

Serotonin

A

A neurotransmitter that affects mood, appetite, and sleep, with dysregulation associated with depression and anxiety disorders.

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19
Q

Norepinephrine

A

A neurotransmitter involved in arousal and alertness, also known as noradrenaline.

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20
Q

Neuropeptides

A

Large protein-like molecules used by neurons to communicate with each other, influencing the activity of the brain and body in specific ways.

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21
Q

Nitric oxide (NO)

A

A gaseous neurotransmitter involved in various neural processes, including vasodilation and synaptic plasticity.

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22
Q

Botulinum toxin

A

A neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, which inhibits acetylcholine release and causes paralysis.

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23
Q

Synaptotagmin

A

A calcium-binding protein that plays a key role in triggering neurotransmitter release at synapses.

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24
Q

SNARE proteins

A

A family of proteins that mediate the fusion of synaptic vesicles with the presynaptic membrane to release neurotransmitters.

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25
Q

Reuptake

A

The process by which neurotransmitters are taken back into the presynaptic neuron after they have been released into the synaptic cleft, terminating the signal.

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26
Q

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

A

A class of drugs used to treat depression and anxiety by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin, increasing its levels in the synaptic cleft.

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27
Q

Gap junction

A

Specialized intercellular connections that allow direct electrical communication between adjacent cells, facilitating rapid signal transmission.

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28
Q

Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease

A

A hereditary disorder that affects the peripheral nerves, leading to muscle weakness and atrophy.

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29
Q

Presynaptic neuron

A

The neuron that releases neurotransmitters into the synapse.

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30
Q

Postsynaptic neuron

A

The neuron that receives neurotransmitters from the presynaptic neuron.

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31
Q

Receptor

A

A protein molecule that receives and responds to a neurotransmitter or hormone.

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32
Q

Neuromuscular junction

A

The synapse between a motor neuron and a muscle fiber, where acetylcholine is released to trigger muscle contraction.

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33
Q

Small vesicles

A

Synaptic vesicles that contain classical neurotransmitters and are released in response to low-frequency stimulation.

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34
Q

Large dense-core vesicles

A

Vesicles that contain neuropeptides and are released in response to high-frequency stimulation.

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35
Q

Electron microscopy

A

A technique that uses a beam of electrons to create an image of a specimen, allowing for very high resolution and magnification.

36
Q

Vesicular GABA transporters (VGAT)

A

Transport proteins that load GABA into synaptic vesicles.

37
Q

Vesicular glutamate transporters (VGluT)

A

Transport proteins that load glutamate into synaptic vesicles.

38
Q

Vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT)

A

Transport proteins that load acetylcholine into synaptic vesicles.

39
Q

Vesicular monoamine transporters (VMATs)

A

Transport proteins that load monoamines (dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin) into synaptic vesicles.

40
Q

Vesicular ATP-ase

A

An enzyme that provides the energy for loading neurotransmitters into synaptic vesicles.

41
Q

Antiporters

A

Transport proteins that move two different molecules or ions across a membrane in opposite directions.

42
Q

Readily releasable pool (RRP) vesicles

A

Synaptic vesicles that are docked at the presynaptic membrane and ready to release neurotransmitters upon stimulation.

43
Q

Recycling pool vesicles

A

Synaptic vesicles that are available for release but are not docked at the presynaptic membrane.

44
Q

Reserve pool vesicles

A

Synaptic vesicles that are stored away from the presynaptic membrane and are only used during high-frequency stimulation.

45
Q

V-SNAREs

A

SNARE proteins located on synaptic vesicles that are involved in vesicle docking and fusion.

46
Q

T-SNAREs

A

SNARE proteins located on the presynaptic membrane that are involved in vesicle docking and fusion.

47
Q

Botulism

A

A rare but serious illness caused by a toxin that attacks the body’s nerves, leading to muscle paralysis.

48
Q

Voltage-gated calcium channels

A

Ion channels that open in response to depolarization and allow calcium ions to enter the cell, triggering neurotransmitter release.

49
Q

Full fusion

A

A mechanism of neurotransmitter release where the vesicle membrane completely merges with the presynaptic membrane.

50
Q

Kiss-and-run

A

A mechanism of neurotransmitter release where the vesicle briefly contacts the presynaptic membrane and releases its contents before detaching.

51
Q

SNARE complex

A

A complex of SNARE proteins that mediates the fusion of synaptic vesicles with the presynaptic membrane.

52
Q

Active site

A

The region of a receptor or enzyme where the binding of a neurotransmitter or substrate occurs.

53
Q

Orthosteric site

A

The primary site on a receptor where a neurotransmitter or drug binds to exert its effect.

54
Q

Ligands

A

Molecules that bind to specific receptors to exert their biological effects.

55
Q

Ligand-gated ion channels

A

Ion channels that open in response to the binding of specific molecules (ligands) such as neurotransmitters.

56
Q

G proteins

A

Guanine nucleotide-binding proteins that transmit signals from receptors to target enzymes or ion channels inside the cell.

57
Q

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs)

A

A large family of receptors that interact with G proteins to transmit signals inside the cell.

58
Q

Presynaptic receptors

A

Receptors located on the presynaptic neuron that modulate neurotransmitter release.

59
Q

Autoreceptors

A

Presynaptic receptors that respond to the neurotransmitter released by the same neuron, providing feedback regulation.

60
Q

Excitotoxicity

A

A pathological process where neurons are damaged and killed by excessive stimulation by neurotransmitters such as glutamate.

61
Q

Glycine

A

An inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, particularly in the spinal cord.

62
Q

Dopamine (DA)

A

A neurotransmitter involved in reward, motivation, and motor control.

63
Q

Ventral tegmental area (VTA)

A

A part of the brain involved in the reward system and the release of dopamine.

64
Q

Substantia nigra

A

A part of the brain that plays an important role in reward and movement, contains dopaminergic neurons.

65
Q

D1 and D5 receptors

A

Subtypes of dopamine receptors that are typically excitatory.

66
Q

D2, D3, and D4 receptors

A

Subtypes of dopamine receptors that are typically inhibitory.

67
Q

Serotonin (5-HT)

A

A neurotransmitter that affects mood, appetite, and sleep.

68
Q

Raphe nucleus

A

A cluster of nuclei in the brainstem involved in the release of serotonin.

69
Q

5-HT2A receptor

A

A subtype of serotonin receptor involved in various neural processes, including mood regulation.

70
Q

5-HT5 receptor

A

A subtype of serotonin receptor with various functions in the central nervous system.

71
Q

5-HT3 receptor

A

A subtype of serotonin receptor that is a ligand-gated ion channel.

72
Q

Fluoxetine

A

A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) commonly used to treat depression and anxiety.

73
Q

Parkinson’s disease (PD)

A

A neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the death of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, leading to motor control issues.

74
Q

L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia (LID)

A

Involuntary movements that can result from long-term use of L-DOPA in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.

75
Q

Hyperkinesias

A

Abnormally increased muscle movements.

76
Q

Deep brain stimulation

A

A surgical treatment for Parkinson’s disease and other conditions that involves implanting electrodes in the brain to modulate neural activity.

77
Q

Acetylcholine (ACh)

A

A neurotransmitter involved in muscle activation, attention, and arousal.

78
Q

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs)

A

Ionotropic receptors for acetylcholine found in the central and peripheral nervous systems.

79
Q

Norepinephrine (NE)

A

A neurotransmitter involved in arousal and alertness, also known as noradrenaline.

80
Q

Beta blockers

A

Medications that block beta-adrenergic receptors, used to treat high blood pressure and other conditions.

81
Q

Atypical neurotransmitters

A

Neurotransmitters that do not fit the classic definition, such as endocannabinoids and nitric oxide.

82
Q

Enkephalin

A

A type of neuropeptide involved in regulating pain and reward.

83
Q

Opioid receptors

A

Receptors that bind to opioid peptides and opiate drugs, involved in pain relief and reward.

84
Q

Endocannabinoids (eCBs)

A

Lipid-based neurotransmitters that bind to cannabinoid receptors and can modulate neurotransmitter release.

85
Q

CB1 receptors

A

Cannabinoid receptors primarily found in the brain and central nervous system.

86
Q

CB2 receptors

A

Cannabinoid receptors primarily found in the peripheral nervous system and immune cells.

Behavioral Neuroscience (16 decks)

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