Neurotransmitters Flashcards
What are neurotransmitters?
Chemical messengers that act between the neurons in the brain.
What do neurotransmitters allow for?
For the brain to process thoughts and memories.
Where are neurotransmitters released?
Into the synaptic gap.
What are neurotransmitters taken up by?
By the receptors of dendrites of another neuron, in order to send a message.
What happens if the receptors of the dendrites don’t take up the neurotransmitters?
They are left in the synaptic gap, and re-used.
What is inhibition?
Inhibition is caused by the release of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) by the synapse. This causes (negatively charged) chlorine ions to enter the neuron, the membrane becomes hyperpolarised, and this causes the impulse to be inhibited.
GABA?
Gamma-aminobutyric acid
What is GABA?
It is an inhibitor in the brain.
What do inhibitors do?
They block messages rather than taking them on.
What is the role of GABA?
To calm nerves that are firing, and to give relaxation.
What can low levels of GABA lead to?
Anxiety
Low levels of GABA are also linked to…
… epilepsy.
Aside from calming nerves and giving relaxation, what is another role of GABA?
Controlling movement.
> What is the chemical formula for GABA?
C₄H₉NO₂
What does norepinephrine do?
It affects our attention and is involved in the fight-or-flight response, which prepares us for action.
What else is norepinephrine known as?
Noradrenaline
Which neurotransmitter can people with ADHD be prescribed to help them?
Norepinephrine
> What is the chemical formula for norepinephrine?
C₈H₁₁NO₃
What is the neurotransmitter ‘Acetylcholine’ linked to?
Memory, thinking & learning.
Damage to the areas of the brain that produce acetylcholine has been associated with what?
With Alzheimer’s disease.
> What is the chemical formula for acetylcholine?
C₇H₁₆NO₂⁺
What is the neurotransmitter ‘dopamine’ associated with?
Feelings of pleasure.
How is dopamine linked to drug addiction?
Because it is associated with feelings of pleasure, and these feelings may be desired, so the individual carries out actions to get the feelings.
> What is the chemical formula for dopamine?
C₈H₁₁NO₂
What is Glutamate?
A neurotransmitter associated with memory & learning (cognitive functioning), and brain development.
Having too much glutamate is…
… harmful, and can lead to stroke or can kill.
> What is the chemical formula for glutamate?
C₅H₉NO₄
What is serotonin?
The neurotransmitter for happiness & good mood.
What does serotonin do with melatonin?
It regulates the sleep-wake cycle.
What do low levels of serotonin link to?
Depression & anxiety.
What can be prescribed for mental disorders like depression?
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
> What is the chemical formula for serotonin?
C₁₀H₁₂N₂O
