Biological Approach: Neurotransmitters Flashcards

A specialized type of nerve cell that receives, processes, and transmits information through electrochemical signals; neurons are made up of the dendrites, cell body (stoma), and axon

branching, thread-like extensions of the cell body that receives information from other neurons and transmit electrical signals towards the cell body

the cell's life support center; keeps the neuron functioning efficiently

The dendrites of a neuron receive information from sensory receptors or other neurons

This information is then transmitted to the cell body in the form of an electrical signal and then passed onto the axon and into the axon terminals

The axon terminals must release a neurotransmitter (chemical messenger) across the synapses, the small gap between neurons, other the dendrites of an adjacent neuron

The process by which these electrochemical messages are sent is called neurotransmissions

The method by which neuros send electrochemical messages to the brain either from the environment or internal changes in the body

• neurotransmissions begin with action-potential, an electrical impulse triggered by the pre-synaptic neuron
• the action potential travels along the axon into the axon terminals, causing neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) stored within the terminals to be released into the synapses
• neurotransmitters travel across the synapses and bind with receptors on the post-synaptic neuron
• neurotransmitters then either excite, making action-potential more likely, or inhibit, making action-potential less likely, the post-synaptic neuron
• after transmission, the neurotransmitters are either reabsorbed into the pre-synaptic neuron, known as the reuptake, or metabolized by enzymes in the synapses

They are chemical messengers that carry signals between neurons and other cells in the body

• they are stored in the neurons axon terminals and are released from one neuron to another through synapses. The small gap between neurons
• The neurotransmitters then bind to a specific receptor site on the target cell and trigger a change or action in the target cell, depending on the excitatory or inhibitory function of the neurotransmitter

"excite" the neuron and cause it to fire off; they send signals that stimulate the brain

block or prevent the chemical message rom being passed along; they sned signals to calm the brain

Both excitatory and inhibitory

triggers the brain's reward and pleasure centers

• when we experience pleasurable events like eating satisfying food or sexual activity, our body releases dopamine

addictive drugs such as cocaine and heroin cause hue increases in dopamine levels, leading to the high that people feel

• this excitement motivates us to continue the activity, which can eventually lead to addiction

also plays a key role in motor control and learning

• when the brain ails to produce enough dopamine, it can result in Parkinson's disease
• excessive amounts of dopamine can lead to problems like delusions and hallucinations, as well as the progression and development of schizophrenia.

Freed et al. (2001): Dopamine and Parkinson's