Electrical Signals Are Turned into Chemical Signals at Synapses

Question 1

Exogenous

Answer 1

Arising from outside the body.

Question 2

Endogenous

Answer 2

Produced inside the body.

Question 3

Figure 4.1

Synapses convert Electrical Signals into Chemical SIgnals

Answer 3

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Question 4

Presynaptic

Answer 4

Located on the “transmitting” side of a synapse.

Question 5

Synapse

Answer 5

The location at which information flows between a presynaptic neuron and a postsynaptic neuron, often through the conversion of electrical activity in the presynaptic neuron into a secretion of chemical neurotransmitter that alters the functioning of the postynaptic neuron.

Question 6

Exocytosis

Answer 6

A cellular process that results in the release of a substance into the extracellular space.

Question 7

Neurotransmitter

Answer 7

Also called simply transmitter. A signaling chemical, released by a presynaptic neuron, that diffuses across the synaptic cleft to alter the functioning of the postsynaptic neuron.

Question 8

Neurotransmitter receptor

Answer 8

Also called simply receptor. A specialized protein that is embedded in the cell membrane, allowing it to selectively sense and react to molecules of the corresponding neurotransmitter.

Question 9

Postsynaptic

Answer 9

Located on the “recieving” side of a synapse.

Question 10

Reuptake

Answer 10

The reabsorbtion of moleules of neurotransmitter by the neurons that release them, thereby ending the signaling activity of the transmitter molecules.

Question 11

Transporter

Answer 11

A specialized membrane component that returns transmitter molecules to the presynaptic neuron for reuse.

Question 12

Ionotropic receptor

Answer 12

Also called ligand-gated ion channel. A receptor protein containing an ion channel that opens when the receptor is bound by an agonist.

Question 13

Figure 4.2

The Versatility of Neurotransmitters

Answer 13

Question 14

Metabotropic receptor

Answer 14

A receptor protein that does not contain ion channels but may, when activated, use a G protein system to open nearby ion channels or to produce other cellular effects.

Question 15

Amine neurotransmitter

Answer 15

A neurotransmitter based on modifications of a single amino acid nucleus. Examples include acetylcholine, serotonin, and dopamine.

Question 16

Amino Acid neurotransmitter

Answer 16

A neurotransmitter that is itself an amino acid. Examples include GABA, glycine, and glutamate.

Question 17

Peptide neurotransmitter

Answer 17

Also called neuropeptide. A neurotransmitter consisting of a short chain of amino acids.

Question 18

Gas neurotransmitter

Answer 18

A neurotransmitter that is a soluble gas. Examples include nitric oxide and carbon monoxide.

Question 19

Box: The first transmitter to be discovered was actylcholine

Answer 19

Question 20

Acetylcholine (ACh)

Answer 20

A neurotransmitter found in the autonomic nervous system, motor systems, and throughout the brain.