L1 Intro Flashcards
What is synaptic plasticity
ability of synapses to change their strength
How is strength of synapse measured
ability of presynaptic terminal to change post synaptic potential
What is long term potentiation
increased synaptic strength due to repeated stimulation
What is an EPSP
excitatory post synaptic potential
What is input specificity
only active inputs show synaptic plasticity
What is declarative memory
conscious recall
What is NMDA
glutamate receptor
Rises in what are linked to LTP induction
post-synaptic calcium
Where are the three main areas of the brain
cerebrum, cerebellum, brainstem
What is the function of the cerebellum
movement control centre
What gives rise to the 12 cranial nerves
brainstem
What are the functions of the brainstem
reg of body temp, breathing and consciousness
What are the three meningeal layers
dura mater, arachnoid membrane and pia mater
What produces CSF
choroid plexus
Which meninge adheres closely to the brain surface
pia mater
What space does the CSF fill
subarachnoid space
What neurotransmitters are most CNS synapses mediated by?
glutamate, GABA and Gly
What are large vesicles that store soluble proteins called
secretory granules
What are neurotransmitters stored in in pre-synaptic terminal
synaptic vesicles
What are the three main types of neurotransmitter
amino acids, amines and peptides
What type of neurotransmitter is released from secretory granules
peptide neurotransmitters
What are transmitter gated ion channels function
generation of post synaptic potentials
What effect does hyperpolarisation have on a membrane
inhibitory
Why is hyperpolarisation inhibitory
neuron is less likely to fire an AP
