Introduction to Biopsychology: lesson 17

Question 1

Define neurone

Answer 1

Nerve cell that send, receive and transmit electrical or chemical impulses around the body

Question 2

Define neurotransmitters

Answer 2

Chemical releases at the end of the neurone to pass a message to the next neurone

Question 3

Define gene

Answer 3

Units of inherited information

Question 4

Define synapses

Answer 4

• Space or junction between two neurones which are crossed by neurotransmitters
• Axon-synapse- dendrite

Question 5

Define CNS

Answer 5

central nervous system where the brain and spinal chord organise communication around the body

Question 6

How many types of neurons are there?

Answer 6

• sensory neurone
• motor neurone
• relay neurone

Question 7

What do neurones do?

Answer 7

Sensory: Receive sensory input
Motor: sends motor commands to muscles
Relay: relays signal and creates action

Question 8

What are excitory neurones?

Answer 8

Excite neurone and speed heart rate

Question 9

What are inhibitory neurons?

Answer 9

Slows down heart rate

Question 10

What is the process of information being transmitted?

Answer 10

1) vesicles release neurotransmitters into synaptic cleft
2) neurotransmitters bind to receptors and activates them
3) excess neurotransmitters taken by pre-synaptic neurone
4) enzymes breakdown remaining transmitters
5) vesicles replenished with new neurotransmitter

Question 11

How do drugs influence synapses?

Answer 11

• agonist and antagonist

Question 12

What do agonists do?

Answer 12

Bind to synaptic receptors and increase effect of neurotransmitters

Question 13

What do antagonists do?

Answer 13

Bind to synaptic receptors and decrease effect of neurotransmitters

Question 14

What will happen with agonists and antagonists when the neurotransmitter is inhibitory?

Answer 14

• an agonist will increase its inhibitory characteristics
• antagonist will decrease