Neurotransmitters

Question 1

Neurotransmitters

(3)

Answer 1

• chemicals that relay signals across synaptic cleft
• excitatory or inhibitory
• chemical communication between neurons

Question 2

Lock and Key

(3)

Answer 2

• neurotransmitter must be the right chemical shape to bind with its specific receptor sites on the postsynaptic neuron
  Lock - Receptor Sites
  Key - Neurotransmitters

Question 3

Reuptake

Answer 3

• neurotransmitters that do not bind to recepter sites in the postsynaptic neuron get absorbed back into the axon terminals of the presynaptic neuron

Question 4

Excitatory

(2)

Answer 4

• neurotransmitters that increase the likelihood of postsynaptic neurons to fire an action potential
  e.g. glutamate

Question 5

Inhibitory

(2)

Answer 5

• neurotransmitters that decrease the likelihood of postsynaptic neurons to fire an action potential
  e.g. GABA

Question 6

Summation

Answer 6

• the threshold of excitatory signals needed to fire an action potential

Question 7

Glutamate

(3)

Answer 7

• excitatory neurotransmitter released in more than 90% of the brain’s synapses
• associated with memory function and long-term strengthening of neural connections (LTP)
• excess glutamate can cause overstimulation, migraines and seizures

Question 8

GABA
(4)

Answer 8

• major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain
• associated with behaviour, cognition and response to stress
• alcohol stimulates release of GABA (causes the feeling of being drunk)
• low levels of GABA can produce anxiety