Classical Neurotransmitters Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is Acetylcholine (ACh) used for?

Regulates appetite

Stimulates serotonin receptors

Involved in motor control

Used at all nerve/skeletal muscle synapses (correct)

What is the role of Norepinephrine (NE)?

Involved in setting level of arousal and in ANS

What neurotransmitter is associated with motor control and reward?

Dopamine

Degeneration of motor control causes Parkinson's.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is serotonin linked to?

Addiction Signup and view all the answers

What condition is associated with low serotonin levels?

OCD Signup and view all the answers

What does LSD stimulate?

Serotonin's main excitatory receptor Signup and view all the answers

GABA is always inhibitory.

True Signup and view all the answers

What neurotransmitter opens Cl- channels in the spinal cord?

Glycine Signup and view all the answers

What enhances the effects of GABA?

Sedatives/tranquilizing drugs, such as Valium and alcohol Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of substance P?

Pain neurotransmitter Signup and view all the answers

What are analgesics?

Body's own pain killers Signup and view all the answers

What are endocannabinoid neurotransmitters involved in?

Regulates activity of other neurotransmitter systems, involved in novelty and habituation Signup and view all the answers

THC causes cannabinoid receptors to go down so that when withdrawn, nothing seems interesting. THC regulates appetite and has ___ effects.

anti-nausea Signup and view all the answers

All neurons release one classical and one or more neuropeptides at synapses.

True Signup and view all the answers

What happens at low rates of action potential firing?

Only classical is released Signup and view all the answers

What are classical neurotransmitters known for?

Short acting, inactivated quickly Signup and view all the answers

How is ACh inactivated?

By cholinesterase attached to the postsynaptic membrane Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their definitions:

Cholinesterase = Binds to and is inhibited by nerve gases Atropine = Blocks one type of ACh receptor Oximes = Reactivates cholinesterase, inactivating ACh Signup and view all the answers

What are neuropeptides inactivated by?

Slowly by enzymes in extracellular fluid and bloodstream Signup and view all the answers

What causes depression according to the imbalance theory?

Serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Classical Neurotransmitters Overview

Acetylcholine (ACh) is utilized at all nerve/skeletal muscle synapses and is present in the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and brain.
Norepinephrine (NE) plays a crucial role in arousal levels and functions within the ANS.
Dopamine serves as a neurotransmitter for motor control and reward pathways in the brain.

Motor Control and Reward Systems

Degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons is linked to Parkinson's disease, which affects motor control.
Dopamine imbalances are associated with addiction and schizophrenia, indicating its significance in the reward system.

Serotonin and Its Functions

Serotonin influences multiple systems vital for emotion, mood, behavior, appetite, brain circulation (related to migraines), and learning processes.
Low serotonin levels are correlated with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
LSD enhances effects on serotonin's primary excitatory receptor, illustrating its psychoactive properties.

Inhibitory Neurotransmitters

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is always inhibitory, primarily functioning by opening chloride (Cl-) channels in the brain.
Glycine also serves as an inhibitory neurotransmitter, operating similarly in the spinal cord.
Sedatives and tranquilizers, like Valium and alcohol, increase GABA effects, while caffeine inhibits GABA release.

Excitatory Neurotransmitters

Glutamate is the most common excitatory neurotransmitter, while aspartate also functions as an excitatory agent.

Substance P operates as a neuropeptide functioning as a pain neurotransmitter.
The body produces analgesics, which are natural painkillers.

Endocannabinoids and THC

Endocannabinoids, such as anandamide and 2-AG, regulate the activity of various neurotransmitter systems, influencing novelty experiences and habituation.
THC downregulates cannabinoid receptors leading to a lack of interest when withdrawn, while also regulating appetite and exerting anti-nausea effects.

Neuropeptide Release Mechanisms

Neurons release one classical neurotransmitter and one or more neuropeptides at synapses.
Low action potential firing results in the release of only classical neurotransmitters, while higher rates cause both classical and neuropeptides to be released.

Characteristics and Inactivation of Neurotransmitters

Classical neurotransmitters act quickly and are inactivated shortly after release.
Acetylcholine is inactivated by cholinesterase, an enzyme located on the postsynaptic membrane, with nerve gases inhibiting this enzyme, causing severe muscular and bodily symptoms.
Antidotes to acetylcholine include atropine, which blocks specific ACh receptors, and oximes, which reactivate cholinesterase.

Neuropeptide Inactivation

Neuropeptides are inactivated slowly by enzymes found in extracellular fluid and bloodstream.

Mental Health Implications

Depression may arise from an imbalance among serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, highlighting the interconnectedness of these neurotransmitters.

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Description

Test your knowledge of classical neurotransmitters with this set of flashcards. Explore definitions and functions of key neurotransmitters like Acetylcholine, Norepinephrine, and Dopamine. Perfect for students studying neuroscience or related fields.