Week 1 Flashcards
A key difference between the brain and computers?
Computers are serial devices
The connected series of fluid-filled cavities that are found throughout the brain are known as the?
Ventricles
What is the main part of the neuron that contains most neurotransmitter receptors?
Dendrite
Who was the person who discovered the chemical basis or neurotransmittion?
Otto Loewi
FROG DUDE
parasympathetic - slowed down hearts
What does Acetylcholine do?
primary neurotransmitter secreted by the efferent axons of the CNS
All muscular movement accomplished by release of ACE
Appears to be involves in regulating REM sleep, perceptual learning and memory
What are the two different types of Monoamine neurotransmitters?
Indolamines & Catecholamines
What are the indolamine neurotransmitters?
Serotonin
What are the Catecholamine neurotransmitters?
Dopamine
Norepinephrine
Epinephrine
Main functions of Dopamine?
catecholamine
excitatory/inhibitory
roles in pleasure, sex, laughter, food. Movement, attention, learning, reinforcing effects of abused drugs.
Synthesized from tyrosine that we obtain from our diet (bananas/thai)
main function of norepinephrine?
Noradrenaline
catecholamine
Found in the brain and in the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system.
mobilises body for action
What is the main function of epinephrine?
adrenaline
Catecholamine
A hormone secreted by the adrenal medulla
Serves as a neurotransmitter in the brain.
What is the difference between epinephrine & norepinephrine?
Noradrenaline has a more specific action working mainly on specific receptors to increase and maintain blood pressure whereas epinephrine has more wide-ranging effects. Norepinephrine is continuously released into circulation at low levels while epinephrine is only released during times of stress.
What is the main function of serotonin?
plays a role in the regulation of mood, the control of eating, sleeping, dreaming and arousal.
Regulation of pain
What are the three types of amino acid neurotransmitters?
Glutamate
GABBA
Glycine
What is the main function of Glutamate?
also called glutamic acid
most important excitatory neurotransmitter in brain
Main function of GABBA?
most important inhibitory neurotransmitter in brain
Main function of Glycine?
Most important inhibitory transmitter in lower brain stem and spinal cord
What are peptides?
Peptides are a class of neurons. A neuron manufactures both peptides and the enzimes that are needed to break them apart. most peptides appear to serve as neuromodulators. Some act as neurotransmitters
What does a neuromodulator do?
diffuse through large areas of the nervous system, modulating the effect of neurotransmitters.
meaning to exert or have a controlling effect on neurotransmitters
What are the two types of peptides?
Engoenous opioid (endorphines) Enkephalin
main funtion of Endognous opioid?
Endorphones A class of peptides secreted by the brain that acts as opioids inhibit transmission of pain signals
