Exam 1 Flashcards
What is the function of neurons?
reception, integration, transmission, and transfer of information
Intracellular vs. Extracellular Ion Concentrations
Sodium: high extracellular concentration
Potassium: high intracellular concentration
Chloride: high extracellular concentration
Calcium: very low intracellular concentration
Three Properties of Ion Channels
1) conduct ions
2) selective for specific ions
3) open and close in response to specific electrical, mechanical, or chemical signal
Non-Gated Ion Channels
always open (leak channels)
Modality-Gated Ion Channels
open and close to a specific stimulus (touch, chemical, photons, etc.)
Ligand-Gated Ion Channels
open following binding of a chemical (ligand) to a receptor on the membrane surface
Voltage-Gated Ion Channels
open in response to changes in the cell membrane potential
Gradients are maintained by…
1) presence of large intracellular anions
2) passive diffusion of ions
3) active transport of sodium and potassium via the Na/K pump
Modulation
the membrane potential can be altered to become either more positive or more negative (gradual and long-lasting change)
Axoplasmic Resistance
smaller axon diameter provides more resistance
Membrane Resistance
leakage of ions results in decreased strength of charge
Lidocaine
blocks voltage-gated sodium channels
Tetrodotoxin (TTX)
blocks voltage-gated sodium channels
Lethal Injection (KCl)
eliminated the concentration gradient by flooding the extracellular space with potassium
Dehydration/Overhydration
alters resting membrane potential and affects action potential generation
Guillain-Barre Syndrome
autoimmune response against myelin. Slowing of nerve conduction and response.
Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease
progressive neural muscular atrophy with weakness in arms and feet; loss of reflexes, loss of sensation, and muscular atrophy
Multiple Sclerosis
disease attacks the myelin sheaths in the brain, spinal cord, and optic n.
ALS
destruction of alpha motor neurons that give rise to the corticospinal tract and motor neurons in the spinal cord and brainstem
Myasthenia Gravis
autoimmune disease that affects the NMJ. Pts display fatigue and exhaustion. Antibodies develop against the ACh receptor.
Where are synapses located?
- neurons in the brain
- brain and spinal cord neurons (via spinal cord tracts)
- neurons in the spinal cord
- spinal cord neurons and anterior horn cells (motor)
- peripheral nerves and muscles
- autonomic fibers and target organs
Types of Synapses
- axo-somatic: often inhibitory
- axo-dendritic: often excitatory
- axo-axonic: often modulatory
Neuromotransmitters
a chemical induces a response in post-synaptic membrane via ligand-gated receptors, then the chemical is acting as a neurotransmitter: can be excitatory or inhibitory
Neuromodulators
act to alter neuronal functions by acting at a distance away from the synaptic cleft. They are released into the extracellular fluid and can modulate many neurons simultaneously (ex: Substance P).
Presynaptic Facilitation
slightly depolarizes axon, fires longer when action potential arrives; more neurotransmitter is released
Presynaptic Inhibition
slightly hyperpolarizes neuron, action potential duration decreased; less neurotransmitter is released
Acetylcholine
neurotransmitter at NMJ (excitatory) and in ANS; in CNS it is primarily a neuromodulator
Neurotransmitters: Amino Acids
- glutamate
- aspartate
- gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA)
- glycine
Neurotransmitters: Amines
- dopamine
- histamine
- serotonin
- norepinephrine
Neurotransmitters: Peptides
- substance P
- endorphines
- enkephalins
- calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)
- galanin
Nicotinic Receptors
responsible for binding ACh; brief opening cation channels
Muscarinic
responsible for binding ACh; slow-acting G-protein mediated effects
Glutamate
major excitatory NT in the CNS
Ionotropic Receptors
responsible for binding glutamate
- NMDA: voltage and ligand-gated cation channel (calcium, sodium, and potassium)
- AMPA, KA: ion channels, fast depolarization of post synaptic neuron
Metabotropic Receptors
G-protein mediated
GABA, Glycine
major inhibitory NT in the CNS
GABAa
ligand-gated anion channel; chloride
GABAb
g-protein coupled receptor linked to anion channel