Flashcards in 3.1. Deck (16):
1
Describe what neurotransmitters are and what they do
Released by synaptic vesicles, they cross the tiny synaptic space.
2
What is a Synapse?
Point of communication between nerve cells (or nerve cell + effector)
3
What’s a receptor site?
Excitatory or inhibitory messages
4
Where would Acetylcholine be found and what are its effects?
1. Neuromuscular junction
2. Excitatory
5
Where would Noradrenaline be found and what are its effects?
1. In many regions of the brain (associated with arousal, reward, decision making)
2. In SNS - Excitatory neurotransmitter from post synaptic terminals of sympathetic nerves
6
Where would Serotonin be found and what are its effects?
1. Important in ENS (Digestive system)
2. Excitatory
7
Where would dopamine be found and what are its effects?
1. Important neurotransmitter in part of brain responsible for movement and other regions of the brain concerned with reward seeking behaviour
2. Excitatory and Inhibitory
8
Where are opiates (endorphins) found and what are their effects?
1. Stimulate areas of the brain associated with pleasure in times of stress (causing dopamine release.
2. Opiates interact with endorphin receptors in the brain so they are inhibitory
9
Brain activity is inhibited in most circumstances.
Where is GABA found and what are its effects?
1. Found in brain and dies down excitement
2. Inhibitory
10
Where is Glutamate found and what are its effects?
1. Major neurotransmitter in CNS
2. Excitatory
11
Glycine
Spinal cord
Inhibitory
12
What is Myasthenia gravis?
- Autoimmune disease
- Post synaptic ACh receptors at NMJ destroyed
13
What are symptoms of myasthenia gravis?
1. Muscle fatigue
2. Weakness
14
What treats myasthenia gravis?
1. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (prevent breakdown of ACh)
15
What are SSRIs and what do they do?
1. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
2. Block reuptake of serotonin at synapse so prolongs the effects of wellbeing (5-HT) and are used as antidepressants (Prozac)
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