NEUROTRANSMITTERS AND NEUROMODULATORS Flashcards
Neural synapse
the region that includes the axon terminals of the presynaptic neuron,
the synaptic gap, and the dendrites of the postsynaptic neuron
Presynaptic neuron
the neuron that releases
neurochemicals into the
neural synapse
Axon terminal (also
known as terminal
button)
the end of a neuron that releases
neurochemicals into the neural synapse
Synaptic gap
the space between the presynaptic
neuron and the postsynaptic neuron
Postsynaptic neuron
the neuron that receives neurochemicals from the
neural synapse
Dendrite
a branched extension of a neuron
on which receptor sites are located
Receptor site
a protein molecule on the dendrites
of a neuron that receives neurochemicals
Neurochemical
a chemical substance that transmits neural info within the nervous system
Synaptic transmission
the chemical conveyance of neural information between two neurons
across a neural synapse
neurochemical transmission
1Neurochemicals are produced in the axon terminals of the presynaptic neuron.
2.Neurochemicals are released from the axon terminals of the presynaptic neuron into the synaptic gap.
3.Neurochemicals bind to receptor sites on the dendrites of the postsynaptic neuron.
4. Neurochemicals affect the postsynaptic neuron, either triggering or inhibiting a response.
Neurotransmitter
a chemical molecule that has an effect on one or two postsynaptic neurons
two types of neurotransmitters:
Excitatory neurotransmitters
Inhibitory neurotransmitters,
Action potential
an electrical impulse that
travels down the axon of
a neuron
Excitatory effect
when the neurotransmitter increases the likelihood of the postsynaptic neuron firing an action potential
Glutamate
the main excitatory
neurotransmitter in the
nervous system
Function of glutamate
has an important role in learning and memory.
Inhibitory effect
when the neurotransmitter decreases the likelihood of the postsynaptic neuron firing an action potential
GABA
the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the nervous system
Function of GABA
GABA reduces anxiety, which is a physiological and psychological response that involves general
feelings of worry and apprehension
Neuromodulator
a chemical molecule that has an effect on multiple postsynaptic neurons
Neuromodulators can also modulate the effects of neurotransmitters by:
-changing the responsiveness of the receptor sites of a particular neurotransmitter,
-changing the neurotransmitter release pattern of the presynaptic neuron.
Dopamine
a neuromodulator primarily responsible for voluntary motor
movement, the experience of pleasure, and reward-based learning
Role in functioning of dopamine
-Dopamine has an important role in coordinating voluntary motor movement.,
-Dopamine has an important role in reward-based learning and motivation
Serotonin
a neuromodulator primarily responsible for the regulation of mood
and sleep
Serotonin effect
inhibitory effects on the postsynaptic neuron.
Role in functioning of dopamine serotonin
-Serotonin has an important role in mood regulation and stabilisation.
-Serotonin has an important role in regulating the sleep-wake cycle,
