Role of Neurotransmitters and Neurohormones Flashcards
What are neurotransmitters?
chemical messengers produced by neurons and are released at the synaptic gap
What are neurohormones?
chemical messengers produced by neurons but are released into the bloodstream and carried by other neurons to cells
What communication is slower - Neurohormones or Neurotransmitter?
neurohormone
What are the differences between neurotransmitters and neurohormones?
Neurotransmitter = released at the synapse
= only functions as neurotransmitter
= short range chemical messengers
Neurohormones = released into the bloodstream
= long range chemical messengers
= can function also as a neurotransmitter
What is the role of glutamate in synaptic plasticity?
Glutamate promotes the growth and strengthening of synaptic connections between neurons
What happens when you have more glutamate?
lots of glutamate is present when learning
= linked to LTP
What happens when you have less glutamate?
less glutamate is linked to LTD
What is a structural change of glutamate?
growth of dendrites on the presynaptic neuron
What are the two glutamate receptors involved in synaptic plasticity?
AMPA and NMDA = produces long lasting effects on the synapses
What is the process of adrenaline?
- released from adrenal glands when aroused
- releases nonadrenaline
- activates the amygdala that signals the hippocampus to see that the memory needs to be stored
What is the role of adrenaline in consolidation?
enhances the long term consolidation of emotional memories in the amygdala and signals the hippocampus to store the significant memory
What is consolidation?
biological process of making a new memory stable after learning
What happens if consolidation is interrupted?
new info will not transfer over to long term memory
What are episodic memories?
form of declarative memories that are like episodes of your life
What is the role of adrenaline and episodic memories?
if adrenaline is present in high arousal it will help enhance the consolidation over to long term memory
