Neurotransmitter Systems Form a Complex Array in the Brain

Question 1

Figure 4.4

Neurotransmitter Pathways in the Brain

Answer 1

Question 2

Cholinergic

Answer 2

Referring to cells that use acetylcholine as their synaptic transmitter.

Question 3

Basal Forebrain

Answer 3

A region, ventral to the basal ganglia, that is the major source of acetylcholine in the brain.

Question 4

Dopamine (DA)

Answer 4

A monoamine transmitter found in the midbrain-especially the substantia nigra-and in the basal forebrain.

Question 5

Dopaminergic

Answer 5

Referring to cells that use dopamine as their synaptic transmitter.

Question 6

Substantia Nigra

Answer 6

A brainstem structure that innervates the basal ganglia and is the source of all dopaminergic projections.

Question 7

Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA)

Answer 7

A portion of the midbrain that projects dopaminergic fibers to the nucleus accumbers.

Question 8

Seratonergic

Answer 8

Referring to cells that use serotonin as their synaptic transmitter.

Question 9

Raphe Nuclei

Answer 9

A string of nuclei in the midline of the midbrain and brainstem that contain most of the serotonergic neurons of the brain.

Question 10

Sreotonin (5HT)

Answer 10

A synaptic transmitter that is produced in the raphe nuclei and is active in structures throughout the cerebral hemispheres.

Question 11

Noradrenergic

Answer 11

Referring to cells using norepinepherine (noradrenaline) as a neurotransmitter.

Question 12

Norepinephrine (NE)

Answer 12

Also called noradrenaline. A neurotransmitter that is produced and released by sympathetic postganglionic neurons to accelerate organ activity. It is also produced in the brainstem and found in projections throughout the brain.

Question 13

Locus Coeruleus

Answer 13

A small nucleus in the brainstem whose neurons produce norepinephrine and modulate large areas of the forebrain.

Question 14

Lateral Tegmental Area

Answer 14

A brainstem region that provides some of the norepinepherine-containing projections of the brain.

Question 15

Glutamate

Answer 15

An amino acid transmitter, the most common excitatory transmitter.

Question 16

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)

Answer 16

A widely distributed amino acid transmitter, and the main inhibitory transmitter in the mammalian nervous system.

Question 17

Opioid Peptide

Answer 17

A type of endogenous peptide that mimics the effects of morphine in binding to opiod receptors and producing marked analgesia and reward.

Question 18

Retrograde Transmitter

Answer 18

A neurotransmitter that diffuses from the postsynaptic neuron back to the presynaptic neuron.