Psychopharmacology

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What is the primary role of dendrites in a neuron?

Transmit electrical signals to other neurons

Regenerate action potentials

Protect the neuron from damage

Integrate and receive information from other cells (correct)

How does a thick myelin sheath affect the conduction speed of an axon?

It increases the risk of ion leakage

It reduces the time needed for action potential generation

It decreases the efficiency of the electrical signal

It improves insulation, allowing faster conduction (correct)

What is the function of the Nodes of Ranvier in relation to myelinated axons?

They produce neurotransmitters

They increase the number of synaptic vesicles

They shrink the distance between axon terminals

They serve as points for action potential regeneration (correct)

Which type of neuron structure is primarily responsible for transmitting signals away from the neuron?

Axon Signup and view all the answers

What happens to dendritic spines during prolonged synaptic activity?

They can change size and shape rapidly Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the function of receptors located on cell membrane proteins?

Act as sites for neurotransmitter binding Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible consequence of increased insulation from a thicker myelin sheath?

Reduced need for signal regeneration Signup and view all the answers

How do ion channels and transporters function within the cell membrane?

They facilitate the movement of charged molecules Signup and view all the answers

At what week after conception does neurogenesis begin?

Week 5 Signup and view all the answers

What significant event occurs during the 23rd prenatal week?

Connections between neurons begin to form Signup and view all the answers

How many neurons are typically present at birth?

100 billion Signup and view all the answers

Which structure does the central nervous system begin as during development?

Neural tube Signup and view all the answers

Why are animal models used in behavioral pharmacology research?

They allow for rigorous control of living conditions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes neuropsychopharmacology?

Understanding the role of neurochemicals in behavior and mood Signup and view all the answers

Which techniques are essential for assessing the CNS in neuropharmacology?

Multiple neurobiological techniques Signup and view all the answers

What role do behavioral measures play in the context of neuropsychopharmacology?

They help to understand neurochemical basis and drug impacts Signup and view all the answers

What does operant conditioning primarily involve?

Animal learns a response to achieve rewards. Signup and view all the answers

In a fixed-ratio schedule, reinforcement is provided after what?

A fixed number of responses. Signup and view all the answers

What are analgesic drugs expected to do in the context of operant analgesia testing?

Raise the aversive threshold. Signup and view all the answers

What does the tail-flick test measure in animal studies?

Pain response to heat stimulus. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of training an animal to press a lever to turn off a foot shock?

To learn negative reinforcement. Signup and view all the answers

What does effective spatial memory in a radial arm maze indicate?

The animal remembers previous visits to arms. Signup and view all the answers

How can drugs influence animal behavior in maze tests?

By altering memory or behavior. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding reinforcement schedules in operant conditioning?

Fixed-ratio schedules provide reinforcement after a set number of responses. Signup and view all the answers

What role do receptor antagonists play in ligand-receptor interactions?

They prevent active ligands from binding to the receptor. Signup and view all the answers

How do partial agonists behave compared to full agonists?

They have lower efficacy than full agonists. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does a competitive antagonist have on the EC50 of an agonist?

It shifts the EC50 value higher, decreasing potency. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes noncompetitive antagonists from competitive antagonists?

Noncompetitive antagonists reduce the effect without competition. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the maximum effect (Emax) of an agonist in the presence of a competitive antagonist?

It remains unchanged but requires a higher dose. Signup and view all the answers

How does ligand binding to a receptor influence the receptor?

It initiates a series of intracellular events. Signup and view all the answers

Full agonists, such as natural neurotransmitters, are characterized by their ability to:

Initiate the maximum biological response. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common effect of increasing neurotransmitter synthesis on synaptic function?

It enhances synaptic function. Signup and view all the answers

What role does TH play in catecholamine synthesis?

TH determines the overall rate of DA or NE synthesis. Signup and view all the answers

How does high catecholamine level affect TH activity?

It inhibits TH, reducing catecholamine synthesis. Signup and view all the answers

Which precursor is known to increase catecholamine synthesis?

L-DOPA Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of VMAT in catecholaminergic neurons?

To recognize and transport monoamines into vesicles. Signup and view all the answers

What behavioral activation is associated with increased catecholamine release?

Increased locomotor activity leading to stereotyped behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary effect of autoreceptor stimulation on catecholamine release?

It inhibits the release of catecholamines. Signup and view all the answers

What occurs to catecholamines after their release into the synaptic cleft?

They can be repackaged or broken down. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does α-methyl-para-tyrosine (AMPT) have on catecholamine synthesis?

It blocks TH and prevents catecholamine synthesis. Signup and view all the answers