Unit 3.1.2 Neurotransmitters + Neuromodulators

Question 1

Neuron

Answer 1

• Individual nerve cell
• Specialised to receive, process and/or transmit info
• Within the NS

Question 2

Neural transmission

Answer 2

• An electrical impulse
• Occurs when a neuron is activated or fires

Question 3

Steps of communication across a synapse (simplified)

Answer 3

1. Action potential
2. Vesicle
3. Neurochemical
4. Receptors
5. Response (excitatory/inhibitory)

Question 4

Synapse

Answer 4

• Point of communication
• Between two neurons or a neuron + target cell (e.g. muscle or gland)

Question 5

Synaptic gap

Answer 5

Space between:
- The axon terminal of the pre-synaptic neuron
AND THE
- The membrane of the post-synaptic neuron

Question 6

Synaptic vesicle

Answer 6

• Membrane-bound sphere
• Filled with neurotransmitter molecules

Question 7

Receptor sites

Answer 7

• A membrane protein
• On the dendrites of neurons
• Receive + detect specific neurotransmitters

Question 8

Neurotransmitter

Answer 8

• Chemical
• Produced by neurons
• Carries messages to other neurons or cells within the NS
• Including muscles, organs + glands

Question 9

Glutamate

Answer 9

• Main excitatory neurotransmitter in the NS
• Involved with leaning + memory

Question 10

GABA

Answer 10

• Main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the NS
• Associated with anxiety, specific phobias + Parkinson’s disease

Question 11

Excitatory effect

Answer 11

The increased likelihood that the post-synaptic neuron will fire an action potential or neural impulse

Question 12

Inhibitory effect

Answer 12

The decreased likelihood that the post-synaptic neuron will fire an action potential or neural impulse

Question 13

Neuromodulators

Answer 13

• Subclass of neurotransmitters
• Alter the strength of neural transmission
• By increasing or decreasing the responsiveness of neurons to neurotransmitter signals

Question 14

Dopamine

Answer 14

• Multi-functional neurotransmitter
• Both excitatory + inhibitory effects
• Involved in many CNS functions such as movement, pleaure, attention, mood, cognition + motivation
• Neuromodulator

Question 15

Reward pathway

Answer 15

• Group of structures in the brain
• Activated by rewarding or reinforcing stimuli

Question 16

Serotonin

Answer 16

• Inhibitory neurotransmitter
• Also acts as a neuromodulator
• Influencing a variety of brain activities