Psyc Ch. 2

Question 1

Excitatory Postsynaptic Potential (EPSP)

Answer 1

graded depolarization

Question 2

Inhibitory Postsynaptic Potential (IPSP)

Answer 2

temporary hyperpolarization of a membrane

Question 3

Postsynaptic Neuron

Answer 3

neuron that receives transmission from another neuron

Question 4

Presynaptic Neuron

Answer 4

neuron that delivers transmission to another neuron

Question 5

Reflex Arc

Answer 5

a circuit from sensory neuron to muscle response

Question 6

Reflexes

Answer 6

automatic muscular responses to stimuli

Question 7

Spatial Summation

Answer 7

combination of effects of two or more synapses onto a single neuron

Question 8

Spontaneous Firing Rate

Answer 8

a periodic production of action potentials even without synaptic input

Question 9

Synapse

Answer 9

a specialized gap as a point of communication between two neurons

Question 10

Temporal Summation

Answer 10

a cumulative effect of repeated stimuli within a brief time

Question 11

2-AG

Answer 11

(sn-2 arachidonylglycerol) chemical that binds to cannabinoid receptors

Question 12

Acetylcholine

Answer 12

a chemical similar to an amino acid, except that it includes an N(CH3)3 group instead of an NH2, group

Question 13

Acetylcholinesterase

Answer 13

enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine into acetate and choline

Question 14

Amino Acids

Answer 14

acids containing an amine group NH2

Question 15

Amphetamine

Answer 15

a drug that blocks reuptake of dopamine and other neurotransmitters

Question 16

Anandamide

Answer 16

endogenous chemical that binds to cannabinoid receptors

Question 17

Anterior Pituitary

Answer 17

portion of the pituitary gland, composed of glandular tissue

Question 18

Autoreceptors

Answer 18

receptor on a presynaptic neuron that responds to the released transmitter by inhibiting further release of it

Question 19

Cannabinoids

Answer 19

chemicals related to D9 -THC

Question 20

Catecholamines

Answer 20

compounds that contain a catechol and an amine group

Question 21

Cocaine

Answer 21

a drug that blocks reuptake of dopamine

Question 22

COMT

Answer 22

(catechol-o-methyltransferase) enzyme that breaks down excess dopamine into inactive chemicals that cannot stimulate the dopamine receptors

Question 23

Endocrine glands

Answer 23

hormone-producing glands

Question 24

Exocytosis

Answer 24

a release of neurotransmitter from the presynaptic neuron into the synaptic cleft

Question 25

Gap Junction

Answer 25

a direct contact of one neuron with another, enabling electrical transmission

Question 26

G Protein

Answer 26

a protein coupled to guanosine triphosphate (GTP), an energy-storing molecule

Question 27

Gases

Answer 27

one of the categories of neurotransmitters, including nitric oxide and possibly others

Question 28

Hallucinogenic Drugs

Answer 28

drugs that distort perception

Question 29

Hormone

Answer 29

chemical that is secreted by cells in one part of the body and conveyed by the blood to influence other cells

Question 30

Ionotropic Effects

Answer 30

synaptic effects that depend on the rapid opening of some kind of gate in the membrane

Question 31

Ligand-Gated

Answer 31

channel that opens when a neurotransmitter attaches

Question 32

MAO

Answer 32

enzyme that converts catecholamines and serotonin into synaptically inactive chemicals MAOIs. See Monoamine oxidase inhibitors

Question 33

Metabotropic Effects

Answer 33

a sequence of metabolic reactions that produce slow and long-lasting effects at a synapse

Question 34

Methylphenidate

Answer 34

stimulant drug prescribed for ADHD that increases the stimulation of dopamine synapses by blocking the reuptake of dopamine by the presynaptic neuron

Question 35

Monoamines

Answer 35

chemicals formed by a change in certain amino acids

Question 36

Neuromodulators

Answer 36

chains of amino acids

Question 37

Neuropeptides

Answer 37

chains of amino acids

Question 38

Neurotransmitters

Answer 38

chemicals released by neurons that affect other neurons

Question 39

Nicotine

Answer 39

a stimulant drug that stimulates certain acetylcholine receptors

Question 40

Nitric Oxide

Answer 40

a gas released by many small local neurons

Question 41

Opiate Drugs

Answer 41

drugs derived from the opium poppy

Question 42

Oxytocin

Answer 42

hormone released by posterior pituitary; important for sexual and parental behaviors

Question 43

Peptide Hormones

Answer 43

hormones composed of short chains of amino acids

Question 44

Pituitary Glands

Answer 44

an endocrine gland attached to the base of the hypothalamus

Question 45

Posterior Pituitary

Answer 45

portion of the pituitary gland, which releases hormones synthesized by the hypothalamus

Question 46

Protein Hormones

Answer 46

hormones composed of long chains of amino acids

Question 47

Purines

Answer 47

a category of chemicals including adenosine and several of its derivatives

Question 48

Releasing Hormones

Answer 48

hormone released by the hypothalamus that flows to the anterior pituitary

Question 49

Reuptake

Answer 49

reabsorption of a neurotransmitter by the presynaptic terminal

Question 50

Second Messenger

Answer 50

a chemical that, when activated by a neurotransmitter, initiates communication to many areas within the neuron

Question 51

Transmitter-Gated

Answer 51

ion channel that opens temporarily when a neurotransmitter binds to it

Question 52

Transporters

Answer 52

special membrane protein that moves the neurotransmitter back into the presynaptic neuron

Question 53

Vasopressin

Answer 53

(antidiuretic hormone) hormone released by posterior pituitary; raises blood pressure and enables kidneys to conserve water

Question 54

Vesicles

Answer 54

tiny nearly spherical packets filled with neurotransmitter molecules