Unit 3.3 - Cells Of The Nervous System And Neurotransmitters At Synapses Flashcards
(29 cards)
What are nerves?
Bundles of nerve fibres that carry impulses from one part of the body to another
Name the structures of a Neuron
- Dendrite
- Cell Body
- Axon
What is the function of the Myelin Sheath?
Insulates axon and therefore speeds up impulse conductivity
State the direction in which a nerve impulse travels
Dendrite > Cell Body > Axon
What do sensory neurons do?
Pass information from sense organs to the CNS
What do inter neurons do?
Link sensory neurons to motor neurons
What do Motor neurons do?
Pass information from the CNS to an effector
Complete the following sentence:
A __________ pathway has several neurons linked to one Neuron increasing the ________________ concentration.
Converging
Neurotransmitter
Complete the following sentence:
A _________ pathway has one Neuron linked to several neurons.
Diverging
Complete the following sentence:
_____________ pathways have neurons later in a pathway that link back to form synapses with neurons earlier in the pathway.
Reverberating
Endorphins are neurotransmitters. They stimulate neurons involved in reducing the intensity of pain. Name 3 things which increase endorphin production.
Severe injury
Prolonged/continuous exercise
Increased stress
What are increased levels of endorphins also connected with?
Intense happiness/euphoric feelings
Appetite regulation
Release of sex hormones
What does the neurotransmitter Dopamine do?
Induces the feeling of pleasure and reinforces particular beneficial behaviours in the reward pathway.
Name 3 disorders that can occur when there is an imbalance, over production or underproduction of neurotransmitters
Schizophrenia
Depression
Anxiety disorders
Drugs that are similar to neurotransmitters are often prescribed to treat neurotransmitter related disorders. What do they act as?
Agonists
Antagonists
Enzyme inhibitors
What do agonists do?
Bind to and stimulate receptors mimicking the neurotransmitter
What do antagonists do?
Bind to specific receptors blocking the action of the neurotransmitter
How do recreational drugs affect the brain?
They affect neurotransmission in the reward circuitry of the brain
Name 4 things which the brain’s neurochemistry can alter
Mood
Cognition
Perception
Behaviour
How do recreational drugs stimulate the release of neurotransmitters?
They may act as agonists or antagonists
Recreational drugs can also do what?
Inhibit the re-uptake, or enzymatic degradation of neurotransmitters
What is sensitisation?
An increase in the number and sensitivity of of neurotransmitter receptors
What does sensitisation occur as a result of?
Exposure to drugs that are antagonists
What does sensitisation lead to?
Excessive craving and addiction
