Biochemistry of CNS: Neurotransmitters & Disorders

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What is the primary function of a neurotransmitter in synaptic transmission?

To trigger a response in the post-synaptic cell (correct)

To inhibit the release of neurotransmitters

To provide electrical signals between neurons

To release ions into the synaptic cleft

What is the characteristic of electrical synapses?

Found in the peripheral nervous system only

Presynaptic and postsynaptic cells are separated by a narrow gap

Impulses are transmitted through chemical neurotransmitters

Connected by connexons with very close contact between cells (correct)

What type of receptors are formed by the acetylcholine receptor?

Chemically gated ion channels

Ligand-gated ion channels (correct)

Voltage-gated ion channels

Mechanically gated ion channels

What determines the effect of a neurotransmitter on the post-synaptic cell?

The post-synaptic receptor type Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common type of communication between neurons?

Chemical synapses Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the neurotransmitter after it has triggered a response in the post-synaptic cell?

It is taken back up by the presynaptic cell Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of lipofuscin, a granular pigment that accumulates in cells?

Unknown Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of neurofibrillary tangles and amyloid plaques in the brain?

They are characteristic of brain aging Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of a stimulating environment on synaptic plasticity?

It increases synaptic plasticity by 25% Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of aging on brain cells?

Brain cells inevitably decline Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of intellectual activity in delaying brain degeneration?

It delays but does not halt brain degeneration Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the hippocampus in the context of brain aging?

It is concerned with memory processing Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the brain size as a person ages?

It decreases Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of serotonin uptake inhibitors on serotonin levels in synapses?

They increase the amount of serotonin Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of acetyl choline esterase inhibitors on acetyl choline?

They increase the duration of acetyl choline in the synapse Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of L-DOPA on dopamine levels in Parkinson's patients?

It increases the amount of dopamine Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of opiates, such as morphine, on opiate receptors?

They bind to opiate receptors and mimic the actions of natural enkephalins and endorphins Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of ageing on the number of interconnections and synapses between cells?

It decreases the number of interconnections and synapses Signup and view all the answers