Neurotransmitters Flashcards
Define: neurotransmitter
Chemical substance produced by a neuron that carries a message to other neurons.
HOW DOES NEUROTRANSMISSION AS A WHOLE WORK
Neuron’s threshold must be reached
If so the action potential goes down the axon and opens up terminal buttons
Neurotransmitters go across the synaptic gap and bind to complementary sites
Define: reuptake
WHen nt’s aren’t taken up by postsynaptic neuron they are taken up again by the presynaptic neuron
Some neurons have excitatory effects (define) and others have inhibitory effects (define)
activate postsynaptic neurons/ block postsynaptic neurons from firing.
Define: acetylcholine
Important role in REM sleep, learning, attention, motor control and memory (SLAMM)
Why is acetylcholine important in memory?
Low levels in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients; drugs inhipiting ACh can cause temporary memory loss.
Define: serotonin
Helps regulate mood, pain, eating, arousal, sleep (M-PEAS)
Define: glutamate
main excitatory neurotransmitter in learning, which binds to postsynaptic neuron – causing the synapse to be strengthened (AMPA receptors activate postsynaptic neurons, NMDA receptors produce long-lasting modifications to the synapse)
Define: dopamine
release stimulated by the repeated release of glutamate. Strengthens synapses by causing more dendritic spines to grow from post synaptic neuron. Secreted when doing activities which provide rewards, creating feelings of pleasure.
Define: norepinephrine
ROle in encoding memories for emotionally significant experiences, tells hippocampus to encode these details. More produced in high emotional arousal
Are adrenaline, noradrenaline and cortisol hromones?
Yes
Role of adrenaline and noradrenaline
stress hormones which boost the activity of the sympathetic nervous system
Role of cortisol
stress hormone that “energises” the body by increasing BGL’s and metabolism.
