Introduction to biochemistry: lesson 17 Flashcards
Define neurone
Nerve cell that sends electrical impulses
Define neurotransmitters
Chemical releases at the end of the neurone to pass a message to the next neurone
Define gene
Units of inherited information
Define synapses
Space between two neurones which are crossed by neurotransmitters
Define CNS
central nervous system where the brain and spinal chord organise communication around the body
How many types of neurons are there?
- sensory neurone
- motor neurone
- relay neurone
What do neurones do?
1) Receive sensory input
2) sends motor commands to muscles
3) relays signal and creates action
What are excitory neurones?
Excite neurone and speed heart rate
What are inhibitory neurons?
Slows down heart rate
What are synapses?
Junction between to neurones where information is transmitted
What is the process regarding information being transmitted?
1) vesicles real easy neurotransmitters into synaptic cleft
2) neurotransmitters bind to receptors and activates them
3) excess neurotransmitters taken by pre-synaptic neurone
4) enzymes breakdown remaining transmitters
5) vehicles replenished
How do drugs influence synapses?
- agonist and antagonist
What do agonists do?
Bind to synaptic receptors and increase effect of neurotransmitters
What do antagonists do?
Bind to synaptic receptors and decrease effect of neurotransmitters
What will happen with agonists and antagonists when the neurotransmitter is inhibitory?
- an agonist will increase its inhibitory characteristics
- antagonist will decrease
