Neurophysiology part 2, chapter 3 Flashcards
Review: * Resting Membrane potential * Action potentials * Propagation of action potentials * Synaptic transmission * Information integration (5 cards)
What are Ligands?
Molecules that fit receptors on postsynaptic membrane.
-can activate or block receptors.
ex: Acetylcholine = (ACH)
* Excitatory: Open channels for Na+
* Inhibitory: Open channels for Cl-
i. e. The action of a key in a lock. The molecule of the right shape is a Ligand.
Endogenous vs. Exogenous substances
End = substances from internal sources
* Neurotransmitters
Exog = substances from external sources
ex: Drugs
Antagonists:
Chemicals that fit on receptors and block the normal action of a neurotransmitter
examples =
What is an Antagonist?
molecule that interferes with or prevents the action of a neurotransmitter.
ex: Curare (a neurotoxin that causes paralysis by blocking acetylcholine receptors in muscle.
b
A molecule that binds a receptor molecule and initiates a response like that of another molecule (neurotransmitter is the Agonist’s favorite to mimic)
ex: Agonist = the nicotine in tobacco increases alertness and speeds up the heart rate.
