Lecture 2 - neurons and synapses Flashcards
What are the basic structures in a neuron?
Cell body - contains nucleus and organelles
Dendrites - receives inputs from other neutrons
Axon - transmits signals across distances
Synaptic terminals - neurotransmitter release
What did Hodgkin and Huxley find? (1952)
that the negative resting potential of neurons is -70 millivolts
What is acetylcholine?
A neurotransmitter at neuromuscular junctions and in the parasympathetic nervous system
What does it mean if a neuron is cholinergic?
It releases acetylcholine
Examples of drugs that affect cholinergic synapses…
Nicotine - activates cholinergic receptors
Atropine - blocks receptors
Curare - Blocks receptors
Botox - blocks release of acetylcholine
What is an agonist?
Mimics the action of the neurotransmitter activating the receptor
What is an antagonist?
Occupies the receptor and therefore blocks the action of the neurotransmitter
What is the most common excitatory neurotransmitter?
Glutamate
What is the most common inhibitory neurotransmitter?
GABA
