Chapter 3: Synapses

Question 1

Synapse

Answer 1

A specialized gap as a point of communication between two neurons

Question 2

Reflexes

Answer 2

Automatic muscular responses to stimuli

Question 3

Reflex Arc

Answer 3

A circuit from sensory neuron to muscle response

Question 4

Charles Scott Sherrington

Answer 4

Introduced the term synapse

Question 5

Temporal Summation

(summation over time)

Answer 5

Repeated stimuli within a frief time have a cummulative effect

Question 6

Presynaptic Neuron

Answer 6

A neuron that delivers transmission

Question 7

Postsynaptic Neuron

Answer 7

A neuron that receives a transmission

Question 8

Excitatory Postsynaptic Potential (EPSP)

Answer 8

A graded depolarization

Question 9

Spatial Summation

Answer 9

Combination of effects of activity from two or more synapses onto a single neuron

Question 10

Inhibitory Postsynapic Potential (IPSP)

Answer 10

• A temporary hyperpolarization of a membrane
• Occurs whensynaptic input selectively opens the gates for potassium ions to lvave the cell for chloride ions to enter the ell

Question 11

Spontaneous Firing Rate

Answer 11

A periodic production of action potentials even without synaptic input

Question 12

Synaptic Cleft

Answer 12

The space between the presynaptic and postsynaptic cells

Question 13

Neurotransmitters

Answer 13

Chemicals released by neurons that affect other neurons

Question 14

Amino Acids

Answer 14

Acids containing an amine group (NH2)

Question 15

Monoamines

Answer 15

Chemicals formed by change in certain amino acids

Question 16

Acetylcholine

Answer 16

A chemical similar to an amino acid, except that it includes an N(CH3)3 group instead of an NH2, group

Question 17

Neuropeptides

Answer 17

Chains of amino acids

Question 18

Purines

Answer 18

A category of chemicals including adenosine and several of its derivatives

Question 19

Gases

Answer 19

One of the categories of neurotransmitters, including nitric oxide and possibly others

Question 20

Nitric Oxide

Answer 20

A gas released by many small local neurons

Question 21

Vesicles

Answer 21

Tiny nearly spherical packets filled with neurotrasmitter molecules

Question 22

MAO

(monoamine oxidase)

Answer 22

Enzyme that converts catecholamines and serotonin into synaptically inactive forms

Question 23

Transmitter-gated

Answer 23

Ion channel that opens temporarily when a neurotransmitter binds to it

Question 24

Ligand-gated channels

Answer 24

Channel that opens when a neurotransmitter attaches

Question 25

Metabotropic

Answer 25

Sequence of metabolic reactions that produce slow and long-lasting effects at a synapse

Question 26

G-Protein

Answer 26

Protein coupled to guanosine triphosphate (GTP), an energy-storing molecule

Question 27

Second Messenger

Answer 27

Communicates to many areas within the cell

Question 28

Neuromodulators

Answer 28

* Chains of amino acids * Released mainly by dendrites

Question 29

Neurogliaform Cell

Answer 29

A kind of neuron that releases huge amounts of GABA all at once, producing widespread inhibition

Question 30

Hormone

Answer 30

A *chemical* secreted by cells in one part of the body and conveyed by the blood to *influence other cells *

Question 31

Endocrine Gland

Answer 31

Hormone-producing glands

Question 32

Protein and Peptide Hormones

Answer 32

Composed of chains of *amino acids*

Question 33

Pituitary Gland

Answer 33

An endocrine gland *attached to the base of the hypothalamus*

Question 34

Postirior Pituitary

Answer 34

Portion of the pituitary gland, which releases hormones synthesized by the hypothalamus

Question 35

Anterior Pituitary

Answer 35

Portion of the pituitary gland, *composed of glandular tissue*

Question 36

Oxytocin

Answer 36

Hormone released by posterior pituitary; important for *sexual and parental behaviors*

Question 37

Vasopressin

Answer 37

* (antidiuretic hormone) * hormone released by posterior pituitary * r*aises blood pressure* and enables *kidneys* to *conserve water*

Question 38

Releasing Hormones

Answer 38

Hormone released by the hypothalamus that flows through the blood to the anterior pituitary

Question 39

Acetylcholinesterase

Answer 39

An enzyme that breaks acetylcholine into two fragments: acetate and choline

Question 40

Reuptake

Answer 40

*Reabsorption* of a neurotransmitter by the presynaptic terminal

Question 41

Transporters

Answer 41

Special *membrane protein* where reuptake occurs in the neurotransmitter

Question 42

COMT (catechol-o-methyltransferase)

Answer 42

Enzyme that *breaks down excess dopamine* into inactive chemicals that cannot stimulate the dopamine receptors

Question 43

Autoreceptors

Answer 43

Receptors that respond to the released transmitter by inhibiting further synthesis and release

Question 44

Gap Junction

Answer 44

A direct contact of one neuron with another, enabling electrical transmission