Term
|
Definition
| the attractive force between atomic particles charged with opposite signs or the repulsive force between atomic particles charged with the same sign. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a naturally secreted substance that acts like a neurotransmitter except that it is not restricted to the synaptic cleft but diffuses through the extracellular fluid. |
|
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Term
|
Definition
| the process by which drugs are absorbed, distributed within the body, metabolized, and excreted. |
|
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Term
|
Definition
| a region of the interior of the presynaptic membrane of a synapse to which synaptic vesicles attach and release their neurotransmitter into the synaptic cleft. |
|
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Term
|
Definition
| a drug that inhibits the activity of the enzyme dopamine-b-hydroxylase and thus blocks the production of norepinephrine. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a neuron located within the central nervous system that controls the contraction of a muscle or the secretion of a gland. |
|
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Term
|
Definition
| a drug that blocks nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. |
|
|
Term
| deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) |
|
Definition
| a long, complex macromolecule consisting of two interconnected helical strands; along with associated proteins, strands of DNA constitute the chromosomes. |
|
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Term
|
Definition
| a receptor molecule in the postsynaptic membrane of a synapse that contains a binding site for a neurotransmitter. |
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Term
|
Definition
| a decrease in the effectiveness of a drug that is administered repeatedly. |
|
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Term
|
Definition
| the action of a presynaptic terminal button in an axoaxonic synapse; reduces the amount of neurotransmitter released by the postsynaptic terminal button. |
|
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Term
|
Definition
| a drug that blocks adenosine receptors. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a neuron with one axon and many dendrites attached to its soma. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| the action of a presynaptic terminal button in an axoaxonic synapse; increases the amount of neurotransmitter released by the postsynaptic terminal button. |
|
|
Term
| choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) |
|
Definition
| the enzyme that transfers the acetate ion from acetyl coenzyme A to choline, producing the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a charged molecule. cations care positively charged, and anions are negatively charged. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a drug that binds with the PCP binding site of the NMDA receptor and serves as an indirect antagonist. |
|
|
Term
| sodium-potassium transporter |
|
Definition
| a protein found in the membrane of all cells that extrudes sodium ions from and transports potassium ions into the cell. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| the brief electrical impulse that provides the basis for conduction of information along an axon. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| the fluid contained within cells. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| the destruction of a neurotransmitter by an enzyme after its release--for example, the destruction of acetylcholine by acetylcholinesterase. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a region of the medulla where the blood--brain barrier is weak; poisons can be detected there and can initiate vomiting. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a small bud on the surface of a dendrite, with which a terminal button of another neuron forms a synapse. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a naked portion of a myelinated axon, between adjacent oligodendroglia or Schwann cells. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a cofactor that supplies acetate for the synthesis of acetylcholine. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a chemical produced when a G protein activates an enzyme; carries a signal that results in the opening of the ion channel or causes other events to occur in the cell. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| the research method in which the function of a part of the brain is inferred by observing the behaviors an animal can no longer perform after that part is damaged. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a direct antagonist for the glycine receptor. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a protein coupled to a metabotropic receptor; conveys messages to other molecules when a ligand binds with and activates the receptor. |
|
|
Term
| intrarectal administration |
|
Definition
| administration of a substance into the rectum. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a metabotropic acetylcholine receptor that is stimulated by muscarine and blocked by atropine. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a structure in the central region of a cell, containing the chromosomes. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a characteristic of an organism that permits it to produce more than the average number of offspring of its species. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a type of glial cell in the central nervous system that forms myelin sheaths. |
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|
Term
|
Definition
| a drug that binds with a receptor but does not activate it; prevents the natural ligand from binding with the receptor. |
|
|
Term
| intramuscular (IM) injection |
|
Definition
| injection of a substance into a muscle. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| an amino acid; an important inhibitory neurotransmitter in the lower brain stem and spinal cord. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a drug that inhibits the reuptake of 5-HT |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a drug that inhibits the activity of tryptophan hydroxylase and thus interferes with the synthesis of 5-HT |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| the principle that variations in the intensity of a stimulus or other information being transmitted in an axon are represented by variations in the rate at which that axon fires. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a drug that blocks muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| an automatic, stereotyped movement produced as the direct result of a stimulus. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| the long, thin, cylindrical structure that conveys information from the soma of a neuron to its g terminal buttons. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a drug that blocks the activity of tyrosine hydroxylase and thus interferes with the synthesis of the catecholamines. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| an inert substance that is given to an organism in lieu of a physiologically active drug; used experimentally to control for the effects of mere administration of a drug. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a laboratory instrument that is capable of displaying a graph of voltage as a function of time on the face of a cathode ray tube. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a neuron located entirely within the central nervous system. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| an increase in the membrane potential of a cell, relative to the normal resting potential. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a semipermeable barrier between the blood and the brain produced by the cells in the walls of the brain's capillaries. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a drug that binds with and activates a receptor. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| the cell membrane opposite the terminal button in a synapse; the membrane of the cell that receives the message. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a class of enzymes that destroy the monoamines: dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| the principle that the best way to understand a biological phenomenon (a behavior or a physiological structure) is to try to understand its useful functions for the organism. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a neuron that detects changes in the external or internal environment and sends information about these changes to the central nervous system. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| an organelle that is responsible for extracting energy from nutrients. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| the reentry of a neurotransmitter just liberated by a terminal button back through its membrane, thus terminating the postsynaptic potential. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a drug that reduces the symptoms of schizophrenia by blocking dopamine D2 receptors. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| the membrane potential of a neuron when it is not being altered by excitatory or inhibitory postsynaptic potentials; approximately -70 mV in the giant squid axon. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a drug that serves as a noradrenergic and serotonergic agonist, also know as "ecstasy"; has excitatory and hallucinogenic effects. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| formed of microtubules and other protein fibers, linked to each other and forming a cohesive mass that gives a cell its shape. |
|
|
Term
| metabotropic glutamate receptor |
|
Definition
| a category of metabotropic receptors that are sensitive to glutamate. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a neuron with one axon attached to its soma; the axon divides, with one branch receiving sensory information and the other sending the information into the central nervous system. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a receptor that contains a binding site for a neurotransmitter; activates and enzyme that begins a series of events that opens an ion channel elsewhere in the membrane of the cell when a molecule of the neurotransmitter attaches to the binding site. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a poison produced by the black widow spider that triggers the release of acetylcholine. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a drug that interferes with the storage of monoamines in synaptic vesicles. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| the process by which inhibitory and excitatory postsynaptic potentials summate and control the rate of firing of a neuron. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| an ionotropic glutamate receptor that controls a sodium channel; stimulated by AMPA. |
|
|
Term
| intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration |
|
Definition
| administration of a substance into on of the cerebral ventricles. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a receptor molecule located on a neuron that responds to the neurotransmitter released by that neuron. |
|
|
Term
| intravenous (IV) injection |
|
Definition
| injection of a substance directly into a vein. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| an acetylcholine antagonist; prevents release by terminal buttons. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a drug that attaches to a binding site on a receptor and interferes with the action of the receptor; does not interfere with the binding site for the principal ligand. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a drug that stimulates 5-HT2A receptors. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a strand of DNA, with associated proteins, found in the nucleus; carries genetic information. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| brain surgery that is occasionally performed to treat a form of epilepsy; the surgeon cuts the corpus callosum, which connects the two hemispheres of the brain. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a very fine electrode, generally used to record activity of individual neurons. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a gas produced by cells in the nervous system; used as a means of communication between cells. |
|
|
Term
| sublingual administration |
|
Definition
| administration of a substance by placing it beneath the tongue. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| the process by which cells engulf and digest other cells or debris caused by cellular degeneration. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| the space between the presynaptic membrane and the postsynaptic membrane. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| the electrical charge across a cell membrane; the difference in electrical potential inside and outside the cell. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| the two symmetrical halves of the brain; constitute the major part of the brain. |
|
|
Term
| physiological psychologist |
|
Definition
| a scientist who studied the physiology of behavior, primarily by performing physiological and behavioral experiments with laboratory animals. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| one of the endogenous opioids. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| the visous, semi liquid substance contained in the interior of a cell. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| the cell body of a neuron, which contains the nucleus. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a dark-colored group of noradrenergic cell bodies located in the pons near the rostral end of the floor of the fourth ventricle. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| an increase in the effectiveness of a drug that is administered repeatedly. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| the study of the effects of drugs on the nervous system and on behavior. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a drug that reduces the symptoms of schizophrenia, apparently by blocking dopamine D4 receptors. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a junction between the terminal button of an axon and the membrane of another neuron. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| an indolamine neurotransmitter; also called 5-hydroxytryptamine. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a class of peptides secreted by the brain that act as opiates. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| administration of a vaporous substance into the lungs. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| the membrane of a terminal button that lies adjacent to the postsynaptic membrane and through which the neurotransmitter is released. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a system of neurons originating in the substantia nigra and terminating in the neosstiatum (caudate nucleus and putamen). |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a gland that liberates its secretions into the extracellular fluid around capillaries and hence into the bloodstream. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a molecule that controls a chemical reaction, combining two substances or breaking a substance into two parts. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a class of amines that includes the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a long strand of bundles of protein filaments arranged around a hollow core; part of the cytoskeleton and involved in transporting substances from place to place within the cell. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a chemical that is released by an endocrine gland and that has effects on target cells in other organs. |
|
|
Term
| voltage-dependent ion channel |
|
Definition
| an ion channel that opens or closes according to the value of the membrane potential. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| catecholamines; a neurotransmitter found in the brain and in the sympathetic division of autonomic nervous system. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a drug that stimulates the release of 5-HT. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| an anxiety-reducing effect. |
|
|
Term
| peripheral nervous system (PNS) |
|
Definition
| the part of the nervous system outside the brain and spinal cord, including the nerves attached to the brain and spinal cord. |
|
|
Term
| doctrine of specific nerve energies |
|
Definition
| Muller's conclusion that because all nerve fibers carry the same type of message, sensory information must be specified by the particular nerve fibers that are active. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a specialized protein molecule that permits specific ions to enter or leave cells. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| the supporting cells of the central nervous system. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a chemical that is released by a terminal button; has an excitatory or inhibitory effect on another neuron. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a nucleoside; a combination of ribose and adenine; serves as a neuromodulator in the brain. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a neurotransmitter; one of the catecholamines. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a slowing of the process of maturation, allowing more time for growth; an important factor in the development of large brains. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a drug that attaches to a binding site on a receptor and facilitates the action of the receptor; does not interfere with the binging site for the principal ligand. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a structure consisting principally of lipid molecules that defines the outer boundaries of a cell and also constitutes many of the cell organelles. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| the changes a drug produces in an animal's physiological processes and behavior. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a category of anxiolytic drugs; an indirect agonist for the GABAA receptor. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| the levorotatory form of DOPA; the precursor of the catecholamines; often used to treat Parkinson's disease because of its effect as a dopamine agonist. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a chemical that binds with the binding site of a receptor. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a gradual change in the structure and physiology of plant and animal species--generally producing more complex organisms--as a result of natural selection. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| the locations at which molecules of drugs interact with molecules located on or in cells of the body, thus affecting some biochemical processes of these cells. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a drug that inhibits the activity of acetylcholinesterase. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a graph of the magnitude of an effect of a drug as a function of the amount of drug administered. |
|
|
Term
| central nervous system (CNS) |
|
Definition
| the brain and spinal cord. |
|
|
Term
| intraperitoneal (IP) injection |
|
Definition
| injection of a substance into the peritoneal cavity--the space that surrounds the stomach, intestines, liver, and other abdominal organs. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a direct antagonist for the GABA binding site on the GABAA receptor. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| an active process by which substances are propelled along microtubules that run the length of the axon. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a large bundle of nerve fibers that connect corresponding parts of one side of the brain with those of the other. |
|
|
Term
| neurotransmitter-dependent ion channel |
|
Definition
| an ion channel that opens when a molecule of a neurotransmitter binds with a post synaptic receptor. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a drug that inhibits the activity of GAD and thus blocks the synthesis of GABA. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| the value of the membrane potential that must be reached to produce an action potential. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| an ionotropic glutamate receptor that controls a sodium channel; stimulated by kainic acid. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| the readiness with which two molecules join together. |
|
|
Term
| intracerebral administration |
|
Definition
| administration of a substance directly into the brain. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a small, hollow, beadlike structure found in terminal buttons; contains molecules of a neurotransmitter. |
|
|
Term
| AP5 (2-amino-5-phophonopentanoate) |
|
Definition
| a drug that blocks the glutamate binding site on NMDA receptors. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a drug that opposes or inhibits the effects of a particular neurotransmitter on the postsynaptic cell. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| the appearance of symptoms opposite to those produced by a drug when the drug is administered repeatedly and then suddenly no longer taken. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| the enzyme responsible for the production of nitric oxide. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a neuron with one axon and one dendrite attached to its soma. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a neurological disease characterized by tremors, rigidity of the limbs, poor balance, and difficulty in initiating movements; caused by degeneration of he nigrostriatal system. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| administration of a substance into the mouth, so that it is swallowed. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| an aqueous solution of a material that ionized--namely, a soluble acid, base, or salt. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a drug that blocks presynaptic noradrenergic a2 receptors and hence acts as an agonist, stimulating the synthesis and release of NE. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| the functional unit of the chromosome, which directs synthesis of one or more proteins. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| conduction of action potentials by myelinated axons. The action potential appears to jump from one node of Ranvier to the next. |
|
|
Term
| adenosine triphosphate (ATP) |
|
Definition
| a molecule of prime importance to cellular energy metabolism; its breakdown liberates energy. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| the smallest of glial cells; act as phagocytes and protect the brain from invading microorganisms. |
|
|
Term
| inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP) |
|
Definition
| an inhibitory hyper polarization of the postsynaptic membrane of a synapse caused by the liberation of a neurotransmitter by the terminal button. |
|
|
Term
| subcutaneous (SC) injection |
|
Definition
| injection of a substance into the space beneath the skin. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a system of dopaminergic neurons originating in the ventral tegmental area and terminating in the prefrontal cortex. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| an amino acid; the most important inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| administration of a substance directly onto the skin or mucous membrane. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a change in the genetic information contained in the chromosomes of sperms or eggs, which can be passed on to an organism's offspring; provides genetic variability. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| type of scientific explanation; a general conclusion based on many observations of similar phenomena. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| type of scientific explanation; a phenomenon is described in terms of the more elementary processes that underlie it. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| the location on a receptor protein to which a ligand binds. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| an amino acid; the most important excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| body fluids located outside of cells. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| the ration between the dose that produces the desired effect in 50 percent of the animals and the dose that produces toxic effects in 50 percent of the animals. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a synonym for receptor blocker. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| binding of a drug to a site on a receptor; does not interfere with the binding site for the principal ligand. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a cell in the peripheral nervous system that is wrapped around a myelinated axon, providing one segment of its myelin sheath. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a receptor that contains a binding site for a neurotransmitter and an ion channel that opens when a molecule of the neurotransmitter attaches to the binding site. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a class of amines that includes indolamines such as serotonin and catecholamines such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| an enlarged region along the length of an axon that contains synaptic vesicles and releases a neurotransmitter or neuromodulator. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| the first cannabinoid to be discovered and probably the most important one. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a direct agonist for the GABA binding site on the GABAA receptor. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a system of dopaminergic neurons originating in the ventral tegmental area and terminating in the nucleus accumbens, amygdala, and hippocampus. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a drug that facilitates the effects of a particular neurotransmitter on the postsynaptic cell. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| reduction (toward zero) of the membrane potential of a cell from its normal resting potential. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| alterations in the membrane potential of a postsynaptic neuron, produced by liberation of neurotransmitter at the synapse. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| an ionotropic acetylcholine receptor that is stimulated by nicotine and blocked by curare. |
|
|
Term
| acetylcholinesterase (AChE) |
|
Definition
| the enzyme that destroys acetylcholine soon after it is liberated by the terminal buttons, thus terminating the postsynaptic potential. |
|
|
Term
| excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) |
|
Definition
| an excitatory depolarization of the postsynaptic membrane of a synapse caused by the liberation of neurotransmitter by the terminal button. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a mathematical or physical analogy for a physiological process; for example, computers have been used as models for various functions of the brain. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a drug that inhibits the reuptake of dopamine. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a branched, treelike structure attached to the soma of a neuron; receives information from the terminal buttons of other neurons. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a drug that blocks the activity of MAO-B; acts as a dopamine agonist. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| the process by which inherited traits that confer a selective advantage (increase and animal's likelihood to live and reproduce) become more prevalent in the population. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a conductive medium that can be used to apply electrical stimulation or to record electrical potentials. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| the principle that once an action potential is triggered in an axon, it is propaged, without decrement, to the end of the fiber. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a drug that blocks opiate receptors. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| the bud at the end of a branch of an axon; forms synapses with another neuron; sends information to that neuron. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a lipid; an endogenous ligand for receptors that bind with THC, the active ingredient of marijuana. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a neurotransmitter found in the brain, spinal cord, and parts of the peripheral nervous system; responsible for muscular contraction. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| the type of cell that contains receptor for a particular hormone and is affected by that hormone. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| movement of molecules from regions of high concentration to regions of low concentration. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a glial cell that provides support for neurons of the central nervous system, provides nutrients and other substances, and regulates the chemical composition of the extracellular fluid. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a specialized ionotropic glutamate receptor that controls a calcium channel that is normally blocked by Mg2+ ions; has several other binding sites. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a sheath that surrounds axons and insulates them, preventing messages from spreading between adjacent axons. |
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|
