Neurotransmitters

Question 1

What is the Nervous System made up of?

Answer 1

Electrically excitable interconnected cells (neurons)

Question 2

What is synaptic transmission?

Answer 2

The process in which neurons communicate

Question 3

Describe the process of synaptic transmission

Answer 3

• An electrical impulsive travels down the axon of the presynaptic neuron
• When the electrical impulse reaches the axon terminals, it triggers the release of neurotransmitters from presynaptic vesicles
• Neurotransmitters travel across synapse until they reach receptor sites on the post-synaptic neuron
• Impulse is converted back into electrical and the process repeats

Question 4

Give an example of neurotransmitters for serotonin

Answer 4

• Serotonin regulates mood, appetite, and sleep
• Too little serotonin is found in individuals with depression
• Some anti-depressants work by increasing the availability of serotonin

Question 5

Give an example of neurotransmitters for dopamine

Answer 5

• High levels of dopamine has been associated with schizophrenia
• Drugs that block dopamine activity have been found to reduce symptoms of Sz