The Brain and Behaviour

Question 1

Types of Neurotransmitters

Answer 1

There are over 100 neurotransmitters within the human brain; some are excitatory, some are inhibitory and some can act as both.

Question 2

Glutamate

Answer 2

The major excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. It is a type of amino acid that is found particularly in the hippocampus and outer layers of the cerebral cortex.

Question 3

Receptor Sites Associated with Glutamate

Answer 3

• NMDA
• AMPA
• kainite

Question 4

Glutamate Functions

Answer 4

When glutamate binds with these receptor sites it makes it more likely for the post-synaptic neuron to fire.
Glutamate is therefore associated with:
- cognition
- memory
- learning
- behaviour
- movement
- sensations

Question 5

Too Much Glutamate

Answer 5

Too much glutamate in the brain has been associated with:

• abnormal neural development (inappropriate neural connections forming)
• neurodegenerative diseases e.g. motor neurone disease

Question 6

GABA

Answer 6

GABA: gamma amino butyric acid
Found extensively through the whole nervous system. It has an inhibitory effect which means it makes the post-synaptic neuron less likely to fire. It slows neural transmission - reverses the effects of excitatory neurotransmitters e.g. reduces stress response.

Question 7

Lock and Key Process

Answer 7

Receptor sites are specially designed to only bind with certain neurotransmitters.

Question 8

Agonists

Answer 8

Substances that increase the release of neurotransmitters or imitate their functioning making their effects on the post synaptic neuron more likely to occur.

Question 9

Antagonists

Answer 9

Substances that inhibit the release of neurotransmitters or blocks receptor sites, making it less likely the post-synaptic neuron will respond to a neurotransmitter.

Question 10

Hebbian Learning

Answer 10

Named after Donald Hebb.
Proposes that learning results from the creation of cell assemblies. Repeatedly sending and receiving information at the same time changes the chemistry of the cell leading to stronger connections. “neurons that fire together, wire together”

Question 11

Long Term Potentiation

Answer 11

The long lasting strengthening of synaptic connections resulting in enhanced and more effective neurotransmission across the synapse making the post synaptic neuron more likely to fire.