3.1.7&8 Neurotransmission Flashcards
(25 cards)
What are the two main types of neurons in the nervous system?
Motor neurons and sensory neurons
Motor neurons transmit signals to muscles, while sensory neurons transmit signals from sensory receptors to the central nervous system.
What is the central nervous system composed of?
Brain and spinal cord
The central nervous system (CNS) is responsible for processing information and coordinating responses.
What components make up the peripheral nervous system?
Somatic and autonomic nervous systems
The peripheral nervous system (PNS) connects the CNS to the limbs and organs.
What is the role of the spinal cord in the human nervous system?
Facilitates spinal reflexes
The spinal cord transmits signals between the brain and the body and is responsible for reflex actions.
Name the four lobes of the cerebral cortex.
Frontal, occipital, parietal, temporal
Each lobe has specific functions related to processing sensory information, decision-making, and motor control.
Where does language processing occur in the brain?
Broca’s area, Wernicke’s area, Geschwind’s territory
These areas are crucial for language production and comprehension.
What brain structures coordinate voluntary movement?
Primary motor cortex, cerebellum, basal ganglia
These structures work together to plan, execute, and fine-tune motor activities.
Which brain regions are associated with emotion?
Limbic system, amygdala, prefrontal cortex
These areas play significant roles in emotional regulation and processing.
What are the two types of neurotransmitters based on their effects?
Excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters
Excitatory neurotransmitters promote action potentials, while inhibitory neurotransmitters reduce the likelihood of action potentials.
Fill in the blank: Glutamate is the main _______ neurotransmitter in the central nervous system.
excitatory
Glutamate is essential for cognitive functions such as learning and memory.
Fill in the blank: GABA is the main _______ neurotransmitter.
inhibitory
GABA helps regulate anxiety and promotes relaxation.
What is the ‘lock and key process’ in neurotransmission?
Binding of neurotransmitters to receptors
This process determines whether the postsynaptic neuron is activated or inhibited.
What happens when action potential travels along a neuron?
It results from ion movement (sodium and potassium)
The action potential is an electrical impulse that is generated when a neuron is sufficiently stimulated.
What can excessive glutamate levels lead to?
Seizures and mental disorders
High levels of glutamate can be toxic and damaging to neural receptors.
What are some effects of low GABA levels?
Depression, anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia
Low GABA levels are associated with various mental health conditions.
True or False: Inhibitory synapses increase the likelihood of a neuron firing.
False
Inhibitory synapses decrease the likelihood of a neuron firing.
What is the impact of excitatory synapses on neuron firing?
Increase the likelihood of firing and action potentials
The balance between excitatory and inhibitory synapses determines overall neuronal activity.
What neurotransmitter is involved in mood regulation and anxiety?
GABA
GABA plays a crucial role in calming neural activity.
What is the effect of drugs that target GABA receptors?
Increase GABA activity and suppress overactive brain areas
These drugs are often used to treat anxiety disorders and insomnia.
Compare the function of acetylcholine and dopamine.
Acetylcholine is involved in muscle activation; dopamine regulates mood and reward
Both neurotransmitters have distinct roles in the nervous system.
What is the primary function of norepinephrine?
Regulating arousal and alertness
Norepinephrine is crucial for response to stress and emergency situations.
What neurotransmitter is being targeted by researchers for drug development?
GABA
GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is a key neurotransmitter in the brain.
List some conditions that drugs targeting GABA aim to treat.
- Anxiety disorders
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Epilepsy
These conditions are commonly associated with imbalances in neurotransmission.
True or False: The effects of drugs on the brain are examinable.
False
The document states that this topic is not examinable.
