Term
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Definition
| A synapse is a junction that allows a neuron to pass an electrical or chemical signal to another cell (neural or otherwise). |
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Term
| Where are neuron synapses found? |
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Definition
| Neuron synapses are found |
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Term
| How can neurotransmitters influence postsynaptic membrane potentials? |
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Definition
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Term
| What are two types of postsynaptic membrane potentials? |
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Definition
The two types of postsynaptic membrane potentials are:
Excitatory Postsynaptic Potential (EPSP)
and
Inhibitory Postsynaptic Potential (IPSP) |
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Term
| Describe in detail the difference between EPSP and IPSP. |
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Definition
EPSPs are graded potentials that can initiate an AP in the axon, whereas IPSPs produce a graded potential that lessens the chance of an AP in an axon.
EPSP - small depolarization is created; IPSP - small hyperpolarization is created.
EPSP - helps bring postsynaptic membrane closer to threshold; IPSP - helps bring postsynaptic membrane further from threshold.
EPSP - membrane becomes more excited; IPSP - membrane becomes less excited |
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Term
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Definition
| Grand postsynaptic potential - total potential in the postsynaptic neuron; all EPSP/IPSP taking place |
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Term
| Describe the differences between temporal summation and spatial summation. |
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Definition
Temporal summation is transmission of rapid impulses and the summing of all EPSPs together, whereas spatial summation is a postsynaptic neuron being stimulated by many different axon terminals at the same time.
In spatial summation, IPSPs can also summate with EPSPs, canceling each other out. |
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Term
| What are the two functional classes of neurotransmitters? |
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Definition
1. Excitatory - (e.g., glutamate) causes depolarization
2. Inhibitory (e.g., GABA and glycine) causes hyperpolarization |
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Term
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Definition
There are two major dopamine systems in the brain.
1. nigrostriatal dopamine system - involved in motor control; degeneration of this system causes Parkinson's disease
2. Mesolimbic dopamine system - involved in behavior and emotional reward; most addictions activate this system; over activity contributes to schizophrenia |
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Term
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Definition
- Used in peripheral NS and central NS
- In peripheral NS is a sympathetic neurotransmitter
- In central NS affects general level of arousal
- Amphetamines stimulate norepinephrine pathways
- Bind to adrenergic receptors |
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Term
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Definition
- Widely used neurotransmitter in the nervous system.
- Used in both central and peripheral NS
- Released by neurons on skeletal muscle
- Binds to cholinergic receptors |
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