Transmission

Question 1

Synapse

Answer 1

Junction between exon terminal and cell body/dendrite of receiving neuron

Question 2

Neurotransmitter

Answer 2

Once action potential reaches the terminal, it releases packets of a chemical substance; neurotransmitter.

Question 3

Best studied neurotransmitters

Answer 3

Dopamine; influences reward-motivated behavior
Acethylcholine Activation of muscles
Serotonin; Infuences sleep, mood etc.
GABA ; Inhibitory, weakens/slows signals

Question 4

Excitatory synapse

Answer 4

Transmitter opens sodium channels in postsynaptic membrane, increasing the rate of action potentials in the following neuron

Question 5

Inhibitory synapse

Answer 5

Transmitter opens chloride or potassium channels, causing hyperpolarization and more negative load. Decreasing action potentials.

Question 6

Selective sell death/apoptosis

Answer 6

Brain overproduces neurons, selectively die throughout development. Ones remaining get better and stronger but cells need to die. no increase in neurons.

Question 7

Mirror neurons

Answer 7

Neurons that fire when someone’s making similar movement. Used for social learning in cerebral cortex (in monkey’s used to recognize, not mirroor)