3.1.

Question 1

Describe what neurotransmitters are and what they do

Answer 1

Released by synaptic vesicles, they cross the tiny synaptic space.

Question 2

What is a Synapse?

Answer 2

Point of communication between nerve cells (or nerve cell + effector)

Question 3

What’s a receptor site?

Answer 3

Excitatory or inhibitory messages

Question 4

Where would Acetylcholine be found and what are its effects?

Answer 4

1. Neuromuscular junction

2. Excitatory

Question 5

Where would Noradrenaline be found and what are its effects?

Answer 5

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

Question 6

Where would Serotonin be found and what are its effects?

Answer 6

1. Important in ENS (Digestive system)

2. Excitatory

Question 7

Where would dopamine be found and what are its effects?

Answer 7

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

Question 8

Where are opiates (endorphins) found and what are their effects?

Answer 8

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

Question 9

Brain activity is inhibited in most circumstances.

Where is GABA found and what are its effects?

Answer 9

1. Found in brain and dies down excitement

2. Inhibitory

Question 10

Where is Glutamate found and what are its effects?

Answer 10

1. Major neurotransmitter in CNS

2. Excitatory

Question 11

Glycine

Answer 11

Spinal cord

Inhibitory

Question 12

What is Myasthenia gravis?

Answer 12

• Autoimmune disease

- Post synaptic ACh receptors at NMJ destroyed

Question 13

What are symptoms of myasthenia gravis?

Answer 13

1. Muscle fatigue

2. Weakness

Question 14

What treats myasthenia gravis?

Answer 14

1. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (prevent breakdown of ACh)

Question 15

What are SSRIs and what do they do?

Answer 15

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)

Question 16

What role does dopamine play in Parkinson’s disease and schizophrenia?

Answer 16

1. In Parkinson’s disease, the cells that make dopamine in the part of the brain responsible for movement are destroyed
2. This results in tremor, stiffness, slow movement, shuffling gait, posture instability
3. Overactivity of dopamine implicated in schizophrenia