Neurotransmitters

Question 1

Neurotransmission

Answer 1

Electrochemical process through which neurons transmit signals essential for both physiological and psychological functions

Question 2

Neurotransmitters

Answer 2

Chemical messengers present in the nervous system that travel between neurons and stimulate unique reactions

Question 3

Flow of how neurotransmission occurs

Answer 3

1. Action potential goes down the axon of the presynaptic neuron
2. Vesicle containing neurotransmitters are stimulated and released into synapse
3. Neurotransmitters travels through the synapse and bind to receptors of the postsynaptic neuron dendrites
4. An excitatory or inhibitory reaction occurs
5. Neurotransmitters release back into synapse, either undergoing reuptake or broken down by enzymes

Question 4

Excitatory neurotransmitters

Answer 4

Cause postsynaptic neurons to depolarize and fire an action potential (ACh is an excitatory neurotransmitter)

Question 5

Inhibitory neurotransmitter

Answer 5

Cause postsynaptic neurons to hyperpolarize and prevent the firing of an action potential until it gets back to its resting state (e.g. GABA)

Question 6

Agonist and 2 types

Answer 6

Any chemical substance that when bound to a receptor site, causes a response in the postsynaptic neuron.

Endogenous agonists = neurotransmitters (found in the body) like ACh

Exogenous agonists = External drugs that mimic a neurotransmitter

Question 7

Antagonists

Answer 7

Any chemical substance that when bound to a receptor site, block the effects of an agonist neurotransmitter (e.g. Scopolamine on ACh) because it causes the neuron to hyperpolarize and prevent the firing of an action potential