How Neurons Communicate

Question 1

Membrane potential

Answer 1

Difference in charge across the neuronal membrane.

Question 2

Resting potential

Answer 2

Neuron membrane’s potential is held in a state of readiness—ions in high-concentration areas are ready to move to low-concentration areas and vice versa.

Question 3

Sodium (Na+)

Answer 3

At higher concentrations outside the cell and will tend to move out of the cell.

Question 4

Potassium (K+)

Answer 4

More concentrated inside the cell and will tend to move out of the cell.

Question 5

Depolarization

Answer 5

The process of when the cell’s charge becomes positive, or less negative.

Question 6

Threshold of excitation

Answer 6

The charge reaches a certain level, the neuron becomes active and the action potential begins.

Question 7

Hyperpolarization

Answer 7

When a cell’s charge becomes more negative than its resting potential.

Question 8

Action potential (all-or-none phenomenon)

Answer 8

The electrical signal that typically moves from the cell body down the axon to the axon terminals.

Question 9

Reuptake

Answer 9

Neurotransmitter is pumped back into the neuron that released it.

Question 10

Psychotropic medications

Answer 10

Improve the symptoms associated with these disorders—drugs that treat psychiatric symptoms by restoring neurotransmitter balance.

Question 11

Agonists

Answer 11

Chemicals that mimic a neurotransmitter at the receptor site and strengthen its effects.

Question 12

Antagonists

Answer 12

Blocks or impedes the normal activity of a neurotransmitter at the receptor.

Question 13

Reuptake inhibitors

Answer 13

Prevent unused neurotransmitters from being transported back to the neurons.

Question 14

SSRI

Answer 14

Prevents reuptake and strengthens the effect of serotonin, giving it more time to interact with serotonin, giving it more time to interact with serotonin receptors on dendrites—Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft