neurons Flashcards
main components of a neuron?
dendrites, nucleus, soma, axon, axon terminal
what charge does a nucleus have?
negative
what is a synapse/ synaptic cleft
A special junction where neurons communicate to one another.
The gap between axon terminal and the dendrite
what is a neurotransmitter?
A special chemical that is released when an action potential arrives at the synaptic cleft
What is a graded potential?
A change in electric potential on a membrane, in response to a stimulus.
All or none refers to?
A graded potential; must reach threshold of intensity in order to gnerate an action potential
What generates an action potential?
receptors at the post synaptic cleft - they respond to the neurotransmitter
what happens during the neurotransitter release?
They move through the synaptic cleft and bind to the receptors at the dendrite – creating a graded potential.
How do drugs have an affect on neurotransmitter?
they alter the neurotransmitter… synthesis, storage, release, binding or reuptake.
Agonist Drugs
Bind to a receptor and trigger a response
(nicotine)
Antagonist Drugs
inhibit a mediated response
(motion sickness caused by this)
examples of neurotransmitters in the brain…
serotonin, dopamine, adrenaline, acetylcholine
MDMA
is such a fun drug that works as a serotonin agonist. It triggers a release of serotonin and inhibits the reuptake.
tetrodotoxin (TTX)
inhibits the generation of action potentials in the nervous system which can result in being paralysed as neurons can no longer process or interpret anything.
what could an increase of synaptic strength be mediated by?
- An increase in neurotransmitter release
- An increase in postsynaptic response
- An increase in synaptic connections between neurons
