Neurotransmission

Question 1

what are neurotransmission

Answer 1

Neurons send electrochemical messages to the brain so that the body can respond to stimuli, either from the environment or from internal changes in the body. This process is called neurotransmission.

Question 2

what is an action potential

Answer 2

An electrical impulse travels along the body of the neuron called an action potential
When an action potential travels down the body of the neuron, it releases neurotransmitters that are stored in the neuron’s. Neurons are released into the synapse
After crossing the synapse, they bind to receptor sites on the postsynaptic membrane

Question 3

what is reuptake

Answer 3

Once the message is passed on, the neurotransmitters get broken down by an enzyme or reabsorbed by the terminal buttons, in a process called reuptake

Question 4

excitatory neurtransmitters

Answer 4

allow the impulse to cross the synapse.
Produce stimulating effects on the brain
Increase the likelihood of a neuron firing by depolarising the neuron
Eg Acetylcholine

Question 5

agonists

Answer 5

Agonists (ACh)
Chemicals that enhance the action of a neurotransmitter
Amplify the effects
Any chemical that causes receptor sites to lead to the firing of a neuron
All neurotransmitters are agonists for receptor sites

Question 6

antagonist

Answer 6

Antagonists
Chemicals that counteract the neurotransmitter and so prevent a signal from being passed further
Reduce the effects
Any chemical that blocks the receptor site and doesn’t allow the neurotransmitter to do its job
Scopolamine is a chemical that acts as an antagonists for ACh

Question 7

ACh

Answer 7

Acetylcholine
Excitatory neurotransmitter
Important for the acquisition, encoding, and consolidation of memory
ACh receptors are found widely throughout the body
High concentration of ACh receptors in the hippocampus