neurotransmission Flashcards
what is neurotransmission?
the theory that neurons transmit chemical messengers from one neuron to the next for bodily or phycological functions to happen
how does neurotransmission works?
Communication between these neurons begins when an action potential (electrical impulse) travels to the axon terminal of a presynaptic neuron. When an action potential travels down the body, or axon, of the neuron, it releases neurotransmitters that are stored in the neuron’s terminal buttons. The neurotransmitters are then released into the gap between the neurons – called the synapse. After crossing the synapse, the neurotransmitters fit into receptor sites on the post-synaptic membrane, like a key in a lock.
what is acetylcholine responsible for?
plays a role in the consolidation of memory in the hippocampus
what is dopamine responsible for?
Controls the brains’ reward and pleasure centers. Plays a key role in motivation; low levels are linked to addictive behavior.
what is serotonin responsible for?
sleep, arousal levels, and emotion
what are 2 things that might happen to a neurotransmitter after reaching the chemical message into the post-synaptic neuron?
deactivation process (broken down by enzymes)
reuptake (taken back to the terminal buttons of the pre-synaptic neuron)
what are 2 studies that support the theory of neurotransmission?
Antonava (2011)
rogers and kenser (2003)
how do researchers study neurotransmitters?
by using antagonists
what are 2 strengths of Antonava?
double-blind design (avoid biases)
repeated method design
what are 3 limitations of Antonava?
some participants expressed having felt stressed
small sample size- generalization
gender bias
what is a strengths of the theory of neurotransmission?
provide treatment with memory problems
what are 2 limitations of the theory of neurotransmission?
lots of research with animals- low generalizability
reductionist
what is an antagonist
a drug that blocks the receptor side of the post synaptic neuron, not allowing the neurotransmitter to pass and carry out its functions.
what is the antagonist of acetylcholine?
scopolamine
what is an agonist?
a natural chemical that is provided naturally in the body and facilitates/promotes the neuron to fire an action potential and the neurotransmission and carry out its function.
