Unit 3, Aos 1, Dp 3 Flashcards
Neural synapse
the region that includes the axon terminals of the presynaptic
neuron, the synaptic gap, and the dendrites of the postsynaptic neuron
Neurochemicals
a chemical substance that transmits neural information within
the nervous system
Synaptic transmission
the chemical conveyance of neural information between two
neurons across a neural synapse
Neurotransmitters
a chemical molecule that has an effect on one or two
postsynaptic neurons
Neurotransmitters types
There are two types:
○ Excitatory neurotransmitters e.g. glutamate
○ Inhibitory neurotransmitters e.g. GABA
Excitatory effect
when the neurotransmitter increases the likelihood of the
postsynaptic neuron firing an action potential
Glutamate
the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the nervous system
Inhibitory Effect
when the neurotransmitter decreases the likelihood of the
postsynaptic neuron firing an action potential
GABA
(gammaaminobutyric acid) the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the nervous system
GABA functions
○ Regulating postsynaptic activation in neural pathways,
preventing the overexcitation of neurons
○ Reduces anxiety (both physiologically and psychologically)
○ Inhibits the uncontrolled firing of action potentials, and
therefore has an important role in preventing seizures
Neuromodulators
a chemical molecule that has an effect on multiple postsynaptic
neurons
Neuromodulator types
- dopamine
- serotonin
Dopamine
a neuromodulator primarily responsible for voluntary motor
movement, the experience of pleasure, and reward-based learning
Dopamine functions
- role in coordinating voluntary motor movement
- reward-based learning
Serotonin
a neuromodulator primarily responsible for the regulation of
mood and sleep
