Neurotransmitters Flashcards
the first neurotransmitter discovered
acetylcholine
responsible for muscle contractions
ACh
This neurotransmitter STIMULATES skeletal muscles to contract yet SLOWS contractions in the heart; hence, this neurotransmitters is both excitatory and inhibitory.
ACh
if a neurotransmitter stimulates a response it is considered to be
excitatory
if a neurotransmitter can block a response it is considered to be
inhibitory
name the neurotransmitters that are both excitatory and inhibitory
ACh, Dopamine and Seratonin
what do ACh and Norepinephrine have in common?
they play a role in our arousal
what does “arousal” mean?
the state of being physiologically alert, awake, and attentive.
what do ACh and Glutamate have in common?
both are involved with memory
works primarily in muscles, helping our bodies translating our intention to move into actions
ACh
most abundant neurotransmitter and often considered the most important one too
glutamate
What do GABA and glutamate have in common?
both have the title “major.” GABA the major inhibitory neurotransmitter and glutamate the major excitatory neurotransmitter.
Which two neurotransmitters would be involved with diseases that involve memory loss, such as Alzheimer’s?
glutamate and ACh
newly linked with learning as well, this is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter; glutamate is its excitatory correlate
GABA
what does GABA stand for?
gama-aminobutyric acid
this neurotransmitter calms our nerves
GABA
caffeine inhibits GABA release which is why too much coffee can make us…
jittery, anxious and shaky
Botox blocks ________, which helps our muscles contract. Therefore, our muscles are blocked by botox, incapable of movement, and therefore “paralyzed”
Acetylcholine
What natural substance has the same effect as morphine and heroine?
Endorphins
What is the problem with taking heroine or morphine?
the body will stop producing endorphins, which is our main protection against pain.
Parkinson’s disease and Schizophrenia have this neurotransmitter in common
Dopamine
often referred to as the “pleasure chemical”
DA
When your teacher rewards you with a star sticker, ______ is released
dopamine
recently, they have found a role of _______ in ADHD and attention.
dopamine
Parkinson’s disease is a result of too little of what?
dopamine
What psychological disorder is associated with too much dopamine?
schizophrenia
low _______ is linked to insomnia and the inability to sleep
GABA
Why shouldn’t someone take an SSRI before bed?
They have found that serotonin that isn’t evenly distributed can actually interrupt sleep or prevent REM
fun fact about memory and learning:
now every neurotransmitter has a role in some way
those of us who have good moods, positive behaviours, healthy appetites, and consistent sleep patterns can thank…
Serotonin (5-HT)
if DA is often referred to as the “pleasure chemical,” 5-HT would be considered the…
“calming chemical”
what does serotonin help to regulate?
mood, social behavior, sleep, appetite, digestion, memory, sexual desire
I want more of a “mood balance.” I must be needing more…
5-HT
glutamate is involved with synaptic plasticity, which means…
…the ability of the brain to change connections among its neurons.
too much of this neurotransmitter results in overactivation and neuronal damage, often associated with cell death common in Huntington’s disease, Alzheimer’s, or after suffering a stroke.
glutamate
medical research into obesity would look closely at this neurotransmitter and its possible role
seratonin
