neurotransmitters and neuromodulators

Question 1

synapse

Answer 1

consists of:
- presynaptic neuron (axon terminal)
- synaptic gap
- postsynaptic neuron (dendrites)

Question 2

neurotransmission

Answer 2

the neural impulse reaches axon terminal and the terminal button releases neurotransmitters

neurotransmitters cross the synaptic gap and attach to the dendrite receptors

Question 3

reuptake

Answer 3

process where neurotransmitter that do not bind to receptors are reabsorbed by the presynaptic neuron

Question 4

neurotransmitters

Answer 4

chemical substances produced by a neuron that carries a message to other neurons/cells

Question 5

inhibitory effect

Answer 5

prevents postsynaptic neurons from firing

Question 6

excitatory effect

Answer 6

stimulates postsynpatic neurons to fire

Question 7

GABA

Answer 7

• inhibitory (postsynaptic is less likely to fire)
• fine tunes neurotransmission
• lack of GABA leads to seizures/epilepsy or anxiety

Question 8

Glutamate

Answer 8

• excitatory (postsynaptic is more likely to fire)
• learning, memory, perception, thinking
• promotes synaptic plasticity
• less causes poor neural communication
• more leads to overexcitation (neuronal death)

Question 9

Glutamate and GABA together

Answer 9

together, these neurotransmitters regulate CNS arousal and allow for normal neural transmission

Question 10

neuromodulators

Answer 10

neurotransmitter subtype that modulates the effects of other neurotransmitters

Question 11

dopamine

Answer 11

primarily excitatory

motor pathway
- important for smooth, coordinated movement
- parkinsons: damage to the substantia nigra results in stiffness, slowed movements, limited mobility

mesolimbic pathway
- associated with the experience of pleasure
- overuse leads to loss of impulse control/development of addictive behaviour

Question 12

serotonin

Answer 12

primarily inhibitory

mood stabiliser: makes one feel positive, calm

regulation of sleep-wake cycle
- disturbances to serotonin result in sleep disorders

low levels
- depression, anxiety, low self-worth, sleep disorders

excessive levels
- OCD, serotonin syndrome (fever, increased heart rate, agitation, confusion, delirium, seizures)

illicit drugs - ecstacy, cocaine, amphetamines

Question 13

similarities between neurotransmitters and neuromodulators

Answer 13

both are chemicals produced by the brain

Question 14

differences between neurotransmitters and neuromodulators

Answer 14

effects last for a short amount of time and acts quickly. (transmitter)
effects last longer and take longer (modulator)

received by 1 receptor - direct (transmitter)
received by many receptors - indirect effect (modulators)

rapid degradation or reuptake by neurons (transmitter)
slower degradation and no reuptake (modulator)