Chapter 3- Synapses

Question 1

synapse

Answer 1

specialized gaps/ junctions between neurons used to communicate by transmitting chemicals

Question 2

reflexes

Answer 2

automatic muscular response to stimuli

Question 3

reflex arc

Answer 3

the circuit from sensory neurons to muscle response (the speed of conduction)

Question 4

temporal summation

Answer 4

repeated stimuli within a brief time having a cumulative effect

Question 5

presynaptic neuron

Answer 5

the neuron that delivers that synaptic transmission

Question 6

postsynaptic neuron

Answer 6

the neuron that receives the message

Question 7

excitatory postsynaptic potential

Answer 7

a graded depolarization that occurs when Na+ ions enter the postsynaptic neuron

Question 8

spatial summation

Answer 8

synaptic input from several locations exerting a cumulative effect and trigger a nerve impulse

Question 9

inhibitory postsynaptic potential

Answer 9

the temporary hyperpoalrization of a membrane (occurs when K+ leaves the cell or Cl- enters the cell after it is stimulated)

Question 10

spontaneous firing rate

Answer 10

the ability to produce action potentials without synaptic input (esps increase above the rate; isps decrease below the rate)

Question 11

neurotransmitters

Answer 11

chemicals that travel across the synapse and communicate between neurons )released by one neuron and affect another)

Question 12

amino acids

Answer 12

acids containing an amine group (NH2)

Question 13

neuropeptides

Answer 13

chains of amino acids (polypeptide - protein)

Question 14

acetylcholine

Answer 14

a chemical similiar to amino acid replaced by a N(CH3)3 group

Question 15

monoamines

Answer 15

neurotransmitters containing an amine group formed by a metabolic change of amino acid

Question 16

cathecholamines

Answer 16

compounds containing a catechol and an amine group (dopamine, epinephrine, norepinephrine)

Question 17

tryptophan

Answer 17

precursor for serotonin

Question 18

vesicles

Answer 18

tiny spherical packets that store high concentrations of neurotransmitters near the presynaptic (held for release)

Question 19

MAO (monamine oxidase)

Answer 19

a chemical that breaks down excess levels of some neurotransmitters into inactive chemicals

Question 20

exocytosis

Answer 20

(neurotransmitter release) the excretion of the neurotransmitter from the presynaptic terminal into the synaptic cleft
triggered by an action potential arriving from the axon

Question 21

ionotropic effect

Answer 21

when a neurotransmitter attaches to receptors and immediately opens ion channels

Question 22

transmitter gated/ ligand gated channels

Answer 22

channels of sodium and potassium along an axon , controlled by a neurotransmitter

Question 23

metabotropic effects

Answer 23

when neurotransmitters attach to a receptor and initiates a sequence of slower and longer lasting metabolic reactions

Question 24

G-proteins

Answer 24

a protein couple to the energy-storing molecule guanosine phosphate

Question 25

second messenger

Answer 25

a chemical that communicates to areas within the cell

Question 26

neuropeptides (neuromodulators)

Answer 26

neurotransmitters that alter the effects of a neurotransmitter

Question 27

neurogliaform cell

Answer 27

a neuron shaped like a glia cell that releases huge amount of GABA all at once, producing widespread inhibition

Question 28

hormone

Answer 28

a chemical secreted by a gland or other cells and is transported to other organs by the blood whose activity it influences

Question 29

endocrine glands

Answer 29

responsible for the production of hormones

Question 30

protein hormones & peptide bonds

Answer 30

composed of chains of amino acids and attach to membrane receptors where they activate second messenger systems

Question 31

pituitary gland

Answer 31

attached to the hypothalamus and consists of two glands

Question 32

anterior pituitary

Answer 32

composed of glandular tissue and synthesizes 6 hormones

Question 33

posterior pituitary

Answer 33

composed of neural tissue and can be considered an extension of the hypothalamus

Question 34

oxytocin & vasopressin

Answer 34

antidiurect hormone released from the posterior pituitary synthesized in the hypothalamus

Question 35

reuptake

Answer 35

when the presynaptic neuron takes up most of the neurotransmitter molecules intact and reuses them through transporters

Question 36

acetylcholinesterase (AChe)

Answer 36

enzymes that breaks down into acetylcholine (reabsorbed and recycled)

Question 37

COMT

Answer 37

enzymes that convert the excess into inactive chemicals

Question 38

autoreceptors

Answer 38

receptors that detect the amount of transmitter released and inhibit further synthesis and release

Question 39

antagonist

Answer 39

a drug that blocks a neurotransmitter

Question 40

agonist

Answer 40

a drug that increases a neurotransmitters effects

Question 41

gap junction

Answer 41

the membrane of one neuron coming into direct contact with another in an electrical synapse

Question 42

affinity

Answer 42

how strongly the drug attaches to the receptor

Question 43

efficacy

Answer 43

the tendency of the drug to activate a receptor

Question 44

stimulant drugs

Answer 44

produce excitement, alertness, elevated mood, decreased, motor activity (addictive)

Question 45

amphetamine

Answer 45

increases dopamine release from presynaptic terminals by reversing the direction of the dopamine transporter

Question 46

cocaine

Answer 46

blocks the reuptake of catecholamines and serotonin at the synapse

Question 47

methylphenidate

Answer 47

blocks the reuptake of dopamine at presynaptic terminals

Question 48

nicotine

Answer 48

stimulates one type of acetylcholine receptor known as the nicotinic receptor

Question 49

opiate drugs

Answer 49

those that are derived from the opium poppy

Question 50

endorphins

Answer 50

peptides that the brain produces (reinforcing effects)

Question 51

tetrahydocannabinol (THC) | cannabinoids

Answer 51

active ingredient in marijuana

Question 52

anandamide/ 2-AG

Answer 52

brain chemicals that bind to cannabinoid receptors

Question 53

hallucinogenic drugs

Answer 53

drugs that distort perception

Question 54

alcoholism/ alcohol dependence

Answer 54

the continued use of alcohol despite medical or social harm

Question 55

alcohol

Answer 55

stimulant that enhances response by the GABA receptor, blocks glutamate receptors, and increases dopamine activity

Question 56

tolerance

Answer 56

decreased effect of a drug following repeated use

Question 57

acetaldehyde

Answer 57

a poisonous substance created when alcohol is metabolized in the liver

Question 58

antabuse (disulfiram)

Answer 58

a drug that blocks the effects if the enzyme acetaldehyde dehydrogenase by binding to its copper ion