3.2 The Electrochemical Actions of Neurons: Information Processin Flashcards Preview

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Flashcards in 3.2 The Electrochemical Actions of Neurons: Information Processin Deck (20)
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1
Q

What are the two stages/kinds of electrical signals between Neurons?

A

Transmission

Conduction

*both of these together define what is known as “Electrochemical Action” of neurons

2
Q

The movement of electrical signals within a neuron, form the Dendrites, to the Cell Body, then throughout the Axon

A

Conduction

3
Q

Movement of electric signals from one neuron to another as a result of chemical signaling across the synapse.

A

Transmission

4
Q

What is meant by “Resting Potential”?

A

The difference in electric charge between the inside and outside of a neuron’s cell membrane.

Neurons have a natural electric charge, as discovered in the 1930s

5
Q

What causes a difference in Resting Potential?

A

difference in concentrations of ions inside and outside the neuron’s cell membrane.

6
Q

How is a neuron charged while in natural resting potential?

A

Negatively, as the inside of the cell membrane is negatively charged compared to the outside

7
Q

What’s an Action Potential?

A

An electric signal that is conducted along a neuron’s axon to a synapse.

8
Q

What’s the resting charge of the inside of a neuron relative to the outside?

A

-70 millivolts

9
Q

What chemistry happens as a result of Action Potential?

A

Starting from both channels being closed, electric stimulation of the neuron opens the Na+ (sodium) channels to allow flow in and increase the positive charge inside the axon relative to the outside.

After action potential reaches it’s maximum, the Na+ channel closes, and the K+ one opens, returning the charge of the neuron back to negative relative to the outside.

10
Q

What’s the “Refractory Period”?

A

The time following an action potential during which a new action potential cannot be initiated.

Happens when Na+ channels inactivate themselves for several milliseconds, blocking the flow of Na+ ions

11
Q

What are the breakpoints in Myelin Sheath called?

A

Nodes of Ranvier, as discovered by the French pathologist

12
Q

What are the steps of Synaptic Transmission?

A

1) The action potential travels down the axon and
(2) stimulates the release of neurotransmitters from vesicles.
(3) The neurotransmitters are released into the synapse, where they float to bind with receptor sites on a dendrite of a postsynaptic neuron, initiating a new action potential. The neurotransmitters are cleared out of the synapse by
(4) reuptake into the sending neuron,
(5) being broken down by enzymes in the synapse, or
(6) binding to autoreceptors on the sending neuron.

13
Q

What is Acetylcholine?

A

A neurotransmitter involved in a number of functions, including VOLUNTARY MOTOR CONTROL

14
Q

A neurotransmitter that regulates motor behaviour, motivation, pleasure, and emotional arousal.

A

Dopamine

15
Q

The major excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain, meaning that it enhances the transmission of information between neurons.

A

Glutamate

16
Q

Particularly involved in states of vigilance, or a heightened awareness of dangers in the environment

A

Norepinephrine

17
Q

involved in the regulation of sleep and wakefulness, eating, and aggressive behaviour

A

Serotonin

18
Q

Chemicals that act within the pain pathways and emotion centres of the brain

A

Endorphins

“runner’s high”

19
Q

The primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, meaning that it tends to stop the firing of neurons

A

GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid)

20
Q

What are Agonists/Antagonists?

A

Agonists are drugs that increase the action of a neurotransmitter.

Antagonists are drugs that block the function of a neurotransmitter.

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