18: Synapses

Question 1

Neurotransmitter

Answer 1

chemicals that allow neurons to communicate with each other throughout the body

Question 2

Catecholamines

Answer 2

• Derived from a single amino acid, Tyrosine
• Tyr → DOPA → Dopamine → Norepinephrine → Epinephrine

Question 3

Glutamate

Answer 3

Depolarizes receiving cell

Question 4

EPI

Answer 4

adrenaline

Question 5

GABA

Answer 5

• inhibitory, allows Cl- influx
• imbalance= seizures, epilepsy

Question 6

Neuropeptides

Answer 6

Stress & pain regulators

Question 7

Dopamine

Answer 7

• made by DOPA. decarboxylase
• deficiency= parkinsons

Question 8

Amino Acid Neurotransmitters

Answer 8

Glycine, GABA, Glutamate

Question 9

Excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP)

Answer 9

• membrane potential rises
• Easier to trigger action potential

Question 10

Inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP)

Answer 10

• membrane potential becomes more negative
• Harder to trigger an action potential

Question 11

Long-term Potentiation (LTP)

Answer 11

• strengthening of synaptic connections
• Strong experiences - high frequency signals
• Studying/reviewing - repeated stimulation
• Ca2+ enters postsynaptic neuron through NMDA receptor (strengthens the synapse)

Question 12

Long-term Depression (LTD

Answer 12

• Weakening of synaptic connection
• Related synapses slowly weaken & disappear
• information/memories no longer needed

Question 13

What neurotransmitter is most closely related to LTD & LTP?

Answer 13

Glutamate

Question 14

Dopaminergic Pathways

Answer 14

Neural circuits in the brain that use dopamine to regulate a wide range of functions, including movement, motivation, pleasure, and cognition

Question 15

Nigrostriatal (substantia nigra) Pathway

Answer 15

• Substantia nigra → striatum
• Motor control
• Low activity: parkinsons (hypokinetic)
• High activity: excess movement (hyperkinetic)

Question 16

Mesolimbic Pathway

Answer 16

• Midbrain → limbic system
• Motivation & reward
• High activity: positive symptoms of schizophrenia (hallucinations)

Question 17

Mesocortical Pathway

Answer 17

• Midbrain → prefrontal cortex
• Emotions, judgment, planning
• Low activity: negative cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia

Question 18

Tuberoinfundibular Pathway

Answer 18

• Hypothalamus → anterior pituitary
• Inhibits prolactin
• Low activity: ↑ prolactin