Role Of The Neuron + Parkinson’s

Question 1

Dendrite

Answer 1

An EXTENSION of a neuron that DETECTS RECEIVES incoming neural messages FROM other neurons.

Question 2

Soma

Answer 2

The body of the neuron, contains the nucleus with the genetic material for the neuron

Question 3

Axon

Answer 3

Single, tubelike extension that TRANSMITS NEURAL INFORMATION to other neurons (or cells in muscles and glands)

Question 4

Myelin sheath

Answer 4

Fatty tissue that ENCASES AND INSULATES the AXON to aid in the SPEED of transmission and PREVENT INTERFERENCE from surrounding neurons

Question 5

Axon terminals

Answer 5

Exit pathways for neural messages to make their way to the next neuron

Question 6

Terminal buttons

Answer 6

Releases a chemical substance known as NEUROTRANSMITTERS to a receiving neuron for communication purposes

Question 7

Neurons

Answer 7

A neuron is an INDIVIDUAL CELL that is specialised to RECEIVE, PROCESS and or TRANSMIT information to other cells within the body

Fixed positions

Specialised cells

Question 8

What is a Neurotransmitter:

Answer 8

CHEMICAL substance PRODUCED by a neuron that CARRIES a message to other neurons or cells in muscles, organs or other tissue.

Works by BINDING to RECEPTOR SITES of POST SYNAPTIC NEURONS that are specialised to receive that specific neurotransmitter

Question 9

Synapse

Answer 9

The state where COMMUNICATION occurs between ADJACENT neurons.

Question 10

Excitatory effect

Answer 10

Stimulates or activates post synaptic neurons to perform their functions.

Question 11

Inhibitory effect

Answer 11

Block or prevent post synaptic neurons from firing.

Question 12

Glutamate

Answer 12

PRIMARY EXCITATORY neurotransmitter in the CNS.

ENHANCES information transmission by making post synaptic neurons MORE LIKELY TO FIRE.

Involved in most aspects of normal brain function. Associated with enhanced learning and memory.

Question 13

GABA

Answer 13

PRIMARY INHIBITORY neurotransmitter in the CNS.

makes post synaptic neurons less likely to fire

Fine tune neurotransmission in the brain and maintain it at an optimal level.

Without GABA activation of post synaptic neurons make get out of control

Question 14

GABA and glutamate

Answer 14

Inhibitory action of GABA counterbalances the excitatory activity of glutamate and vice versa.

Both have important roles in regulating central Nervous System arousal

Question 15

Lock and Key process

Answer 15

ACTION POTENTIAL causes VESICLES to RELEASE NEUROTRANSMITTERS into SYNAPTIC GAP, they then BIND to RECEPTORS on POST SYNAPTIC NEURON

A neurotransmitters shape must MATCH the shape of the RECEPTOR SITE on the POST SYNAPTIC neuron’s DENDRITES in order to BIND to its receptors.

The binding ‘UNLOCKS’ the post synaptic neurons RESPONSE so that the neurotransmitter causes CHANGES to the neuron, resulting in an EXCITATORY OR INHIBITORY effect.

Question 16

Effects of interference of neurotransmitter function

Answer 16

Too LITTLE or too MUCH of a specific NEUROTRANSMITTER can have an impact on how we THINK, FEEL, or BEHAVE because of its effect on NS FUNCTIONING

Abnormal levels of specific neurotransmitters have been linked to various problems with mental processes and behaviour. Eg. Dopamine in Parkinson’s disease

Question 17

Parkinson’s Disease

Answer 17

IDIOPATHIC PROGRESSIVE NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASE = LOSS OF DOPAMINE NEURONS in the SUBSTANTIA NIGRA.

SUBSTANTIA NIGRA is DISEASED OR DAMAGED = DOPAMINE available for MOTOR ACTIVITY RECDUCES as neurons gradually die.

SN sends dopamine to PRIMARY MOTOR CORTEX and BASAL GANGLIA which is involved in planning , co ordinating and initiating voluntary movements. Fewer neurons in substantia nigra= less dopamine produced. receive slower/fewer dopamine messages about motor activity.

Question 18

Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease

Answer 18

Variety of MOTOR SYMPTOMS appear after extensive loss of dopamine producing neurons in the substantia nigra.

TREMOR- continuous, involuntary shaking

MUSCLE RIGIDITY- muscles seem unable to relax and are tight, even when at rest. Difficulty performing automatic actions.

SLOWNESS OF VOLUNTARY MOVEMENT- difficulty starting new movements or stopping an ongoing movement, lack of facial expression.

POSTURAL INSTABILITY, BALANCE PROBLEMS, WALKING DISTURBANCES- Inability to maintain a steady, upright posture or perform corrective action, taking short, shuffling steps and reduced arm swing