In Search of Memory 2

Question 1

autoimmune

Answer 1

adj. of, relating to, or caused by autoantibodies or t cells that attack molecules, cells, or tissues of the organism producing them

MD - auto - self, when the immune system attacks the self.

Question 2

antibody

Answer 2

noun a blood protein produced in response to and counteracting a specific antigen. Antibodies combine chemically with substances that the body recognizes as alien, such as bacteria, viruses, and foreign substances in the blood.

MD - anti - against alien substances that enter the BODY

Question 3

immune system

Answer 3

noun
the organs and processes of the body that provide resistance to infection and toxins. Organs include the thymus, bone marrow, and lymph nodes.

MD -

Question 4

glutamate

Answer 4

a common amino acid that functions as the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain and spinal cord.

Question 5

amino acid

Answer 5

n. organic compounds that combine to form proteins. Amino acids and proteins are the building blocks of life.

Question 6

excitatory

Answer 6

indicates a nuron or synapse that depolarizes its target, increasing the chance that the neuron will fire an action potential. (compare inhibitory)

Question 7

inhibitory

Answer 7

indicates a neuron or synapse that hyperpolarizes its target, decreasing the chance that the neuron will fire an action potential.

Question 8

hyperpolarization

Answer 8

a change in the membrane potential of a nerve cell toward a more negative value. Hyperpolarization decreases the likelihood that a neuron will generate an action potential and is therefore inhibitory. (compare depolarization)

MD - When potassium channels open, potassium (K+) rushes out of the cell making the inside of the neuron more negative..

Question 9

depolarization

Answer 9

a change in the membrane potential of the cell toward more positive values and therefore toward the threshold for firing an action potential. Depolarization increases the likelihood that a neuron will generate an action potential and is therefore excitatory.

MD - Resting potential is - 70 mV. This means that inside the neuron it is about 70mV less than the outside. Depolarization makes the charge less negative. If it reaches - 55 mV an action potential will fire.