Lecture 4: Neurobiology Flashcards
Componential levels of organization
Animals are composed of:
Systems —> Organs —> Structures —> cells eg. neurons —> subcellular structures —> molecules
Whats in level 1 of the componential levels of organization? Name some examples!
Molecules! Eg. Neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, and hormones
Neurotransmitters (3) characteristics
- Molecules used for synaptic transmission by binding to ion channel receptors in postsynaptic cells
- Affect one cell
- Are fast acting
Neoromodulators are molecules used to _____ ____ _____
Modulate neural excitation
How do neuromodulators module neural excitation? (3-step process)
- They bind to G-protein receptors
- G-protein receptors activate secondary messengers within the neurons
- Controls production and release of neurotransmitters
What do neuromodulators affect?
Cell ensembles (collections of cells)
Are neuromodulators slower/faster acting?
SLOWER!
Are neurmodulators longer/shorter lasting than neurotransmitters
LONGER!
Hormones
Molecules used for long range cellular communication carried in the blood stream
What is Serotonin? Neurotransmitter/Neuromodulator/Hormone
Neurotransmitter and neuromodulators!
Where is serotonin produced primarily?
In the raphe nuclei in the brain
Serotonergic neurons project to?
Nearly every region in the brain!
What does serotonin regulate?(3)
It regulates:
1. Mood
2. Sleep
3. Sexual interest
How are serotonin levels partially mediated?
Through social rank! Eg. High ranking members in animals have more serotonin and vice versa
High ranking members of groups have higher/lower serotonin levels
HIGHER!
Low ranking members of groups have higher/lower levels of serotonin?
LOWER!
What do high levels of serotonin do? (2)
- Decrease inhibition
- Increase goal-directed behavior
What do low levels of serotonin do? )2_
- Increase inhibition
- Decrease goal-directed behavior
What do the Differences in serotonin levels between higher and lower ranking members of social groups reduce?
Likelihood of harm/death during within group conflicts
What’s the primary pharmacological treatment for depression
SSRI - Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
What do SSRI’s do?
They inhibit the reuptake of the serotonin in the presynaptic neurons, thereby increasing serotonergic transmission
What is dopamine between a Neurotransmitter/neuromodulators/hormone
ALL OF THEM! It’s a neurotransmitter, neuromodulators, and a hormone
Where is dopamine primarily produced?
In the nucleus accumbens in the basal ganglia and the ventral regimental area in the midbrain in the brainstem
What are the functions of dopamine? (3)
It regulates:
1. Motivation
2. Reward
3. Movement