Topic 3: Part 2

Question 1

T or F: the same NT can have different roles in different parts of the body.

Answer 1

True

Question 2

A chemical that has the same effect on the postsynaptic neuron as the neurotransmitter does

Answer 2

A Neurotransmitter Agonist

(Many drugs are NT agonists but they often flood the entire body and many undesirable adverse reactions

Question 3

What is Opiorphin?

Answer 3

it’s an endogenous painkiller recently found saliva. It is released in small amounts to control everyday painful stimuli in the mouth.

Barely penetrates the BBB

Question 4

A molecule that blocks the effect of an NT or it’s agonists

Answer 4

An Antagonist

Example: Naloxone is an opioid antagonist used to counter the effects of opioid overdose.

Question 5

Axon terminals can connect with dendrites of another neuron:

Answer 5

Axodendritic synapse (most common)

Question 6

Axon terminals can connect with the cell of another neuron:

Answer 6

Axosomstic Synapse

Question 7

Axon terminals can connect with the axon of another neuron:

Answer 7

Axoaxonal synapse

Question 8

T or F: the NT can cause either an Excitatory Postsynaptic Potential (EPSP) or an Inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP) at the postsynaptic neuron.

Answer 8

True

Question 9

T or F: An EPSP (facilitation, hypo-polarization) makes it more likely that an action potential will continue in the post synaptic neuron.

Answer 9

True

Question 10

An ___________ makes it less likely that an action potential will continue on in the postsynaptic neuron.

Answer 10

IPSP (hyperpolarization)

Question 11

Frequent postsynaptic potentials at the same synapse occur in rapid succession.

The effect of the first potential does not have time to dissipate and the succeeding potentials add to the previous one.

Answer 11

Temporal Summation

Question 12

Multiple excitatory signals to various postsynaptic sites

Answer 12

Spatial Summation

Question 13

If it “fires an AP goes all the way to the end of the axon. This is described as the

Answer 13

All or None Law

A change in the frequency of action potentials usually indicates a change in the intensity of a stimulus

Question 14

This is the most common inhibitory NT in the CNS and without it, nerve cells could fire too often.

Answer 14

GABA

Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid

Question 15

Panic attacks, seizure disorders and cognitive impairment are all related to low _________ activity.

Answer 15

GABA

Agonists include prescription medications classified as benzodiazepines (Valium and Librium)

Question 16

The most common excitatory NT in the CNS.

Too much or too little of it is harmful.

Answer 16

Glutamate

It is involved in most aspects of normal brain function (cognition, memory, learning)

Question 17

Microglia uses _________ to destroy infected neurons, virus, and bacteria but this can also cause large amounts of collateral damage to healthy neurons

Answer 17

Glutamate

Question 18

Due to chronic inflammation, microglia can become over activated. This can result in a self perpetuating cycle called

Answer 18

Reactive Microgliosis

This is thought to be an underlying mechanism of progressive neuron damage across numerous neuro-degenerative diseases, regardless of instigating stimuli

Question 19

Linked to depression

Answer 19

Serotonin deficit

Question 20

Class of drugs that alleviate depression by increasing the length of time that serotonin stays in the synapse. Prozac is one of these.

Answer 20

Selective Serotonin re-uptake Inhibitors (SSRI)

Question 21

An excess of the this NT results in the limbic system and not enough in the cortex and has been linked to paranoia and addiction.

In the frontal lobe relieves pain and boosts feelings of pleasure.

Answer 21

Dopamine

Question 22

• Memory problems
• movement problems as seen in Parkinson’s
• linked to compulsive gambling, shopping and other impulse control disorders.

Answer 22

Results of shortages of Dopamine

Question 23

Secreted by the Hypophysis or Pituitary Gland

Answer 23

Oxytocin

Question 24

Significant lower levels of this hormone/NT in blood plasma was found in autistic children. It was found that it helped autistic children retain the ability to evaluate the emotional significance of speech intonation.

Answer 24

Oxytocin

Question 25

Released during touching hugging, sexing. Social recognition and bonding. May be involved with trust.

Strengthens those close to us. Makes us fearful suspicious of bitches outside yo crew!

Answer 25

Oxytocin.

Question 26

How do drugs modify synapse function?

Answer 26

1. Mimic the neurotransmitter. (Morphine mimics endorphins)
2. Blocks re-uptake of NT (Cocaine blocks the re-uptake of dopamine)
3. Block Enzyme pathways that degrade NT’s

Question 27

The NT released at the postganglionic synapses is

Answer 27

Acetylcholine (Ach)

Question 28

Axons that release ACh are called

Answer 28

Cholingeric Drugs

They are also called parasympatheomimetic drugs because they produce effects that imitate parasympathetic nerve stimulation

Question 29

The postganglionic neurotransmitter is

Answer 29

Norepinephrine aka noradrenalin

Question 30

Fibres releasing norepinephrine are called Adrenergic fibres which are also called

Answer 30

Sympathomimetic drugs because they mimic effects similar to those produced by the sympathetic nervous system.

These drugs raise BP and increase the HR for things like cardiac arrest including shock.

Question 31

What do beta blockers do?

Answer 31

Reduces symptoms connected with hypertension, cardiac arrhythmia and angina pectoris

Must avoid caffeine, alcohol and salty foods.