U3 AOS 1 - DP2

Question 1

Communication across the synapse

Answer 1

The neural impulse reaches the axon terminals of the presynaptic neuron.
This causes the vesicles to release neurotransmitters into the synaptic gap.
The neurotransmitters then bind to receptor sites on the dendrites of the post-synaptic neuron.
The neurotransmitter then makes the post-synaptic neuron likely to fire (excitatory) or the post synaptic neuron less likely to fire (inhibitory)

Question 2

Neurotransmitters

Answer 2

Neurochemicals that move across the synaptic gap to bind to one post-synaptic neuron

Question 3

What are the two neurotransmitters

Answer 3

Glutamate and GABA

Question 4

Glutamate

Answer 4

an excitatory neurotransmitter that increases the likelihood that the post-synaptic neuron will fire an action potential.

Question 5

What does glutamate play a role in?

Answer 5

learning and memory

Question 6

GABA

Answer 6

an inhibitory neurotransmitter that decreases the likelihood that the post-synaptic neuron will fire an action potential.

Question 7

What is GABA associated with?

Answer 7

anxiety, specific phobias and Parkinson’s disease

Question 8

Neuromodulators

Answer 8

a subclass of neurotransmitters that alter the strength of neural transmission, by increasing or decreasing the responsiveness of neurons to neurotransmitter signals.

Question 9

What are the two neuromodulators

Answer 9

Dopamine and Serotonin

Question 10

Dopamine

Answer 10

responsible for regulating voluntary movement, experience of pleasure and reward-based learning. It can have excitatory or inhibitory effects on the post-synaptic neuron depending on the receptor sites present

Question 11

Why is dopamine a neuromodulator?

Answer 11

it reinforces the neural activity in regions of the brain associated with its functions such as reward-based learning

Question 12

Reward pathway of hunger

Answer 12

Dopamine levels decrease below baseline level in the reward pathway of the brain.
This results in the sensation of hunger.
and then increases food seeking / eating behaviour.
Dopamine levels in the reward pathway of the brain increase above baseline level when you eat.
Pleasure is experienced reinforcing this pattern of brain activity and behaviour.

Question 13

Serotonin

Answer 13

a neuromodulator primarily responsible for regulating sleep and mood, and generally has inhibitory effects on the post-synaptic neuron.

Question 14

Serotonin pathway

Answer 14

originates in the brainstem and extends to almost all areas of the cerebrum including the cerebral cortex.