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GABA is the principal excitatory neurotransmitter in the adult brain.
GABA is the principal excitatory neurotransmitter in the adult brain.
False
Low levels of serotonin have been linked to depression and other psychiatric disorders.
Low levels of serotonin have been linked to depression and other psychiatric disorders.
True
Dopamine is associated with motivation, reinforcement, and control over voluntary movement.
Dopamine is associated with motivation, reinforcement, and control over voluntary movement.
True
Synaptic transmission is the process involving neurotransmitters facilitating the transfer of electrical signals between neurons.
Synaptic transmission is the process involving neurotransmitters facilitating the transfer of electrical signals between neurons.
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In the pre-synaptic neuron, depolarization triggers the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft.
In the pre-synaptic neuron, depolarization triggers the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft.
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Neurotransmitters interact with receptor molecules on the surface of the pre-synaptic neuron.
Neurotransmitters interact with receptor molecules on the surface of the pre-synaptic neuron.
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Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter responsible for regulating mood, appetite, sleep, and pain sensation.
Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter responsible for regulating mood, appetite, sleep, and pain sensation.
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Glutamate is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian brain.
Glutamate is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian brain.
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Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers produced by the body's endocrine system.
Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers produced by the body's endocrine system.
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Synaptic transmission is a critical aspect of neuron communication.
Synaptic transmission is a critical aspect of neuron communication.
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Acetylcholine has limited roles in the brain and central nervous system.
Acetylcholine has limited roles in the brain and central nervous system.
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Excitatory neurotransmitters cause a decrease in membrane potential along the neural pathway.
Excitatory neurotransmitters cause a decrease in membrane potential along the neural pathway.
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Neurons communicate with each other through a process known as ______ transmission
Neurons communicate with each other through a process known as ______ transmission
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Synaptic transmission can occur via electrical signals, chemical signals (neurotransmitters), or ______
Synaptic transmission can occur via electrical signals, chemical signals (neurotransmitters), or ______
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In its simplest form, a neurotransmitter binds to receptors on the receiving cell, triggering changes that may result in further ______
In its simplest form, a neurotransmitter binds to receptors on the receiving cell, triggering changes that may result in further ______
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Electrical Junctions involve direct transfer of electrical charge between two adjacent cells without the involvement of any intermediate ______
Electrical Junctions involve direct transfer of electrical charge between two adjacent cells without the involvement of any intermediate ______
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Chemical Junctions allow the transfer of neurotransmitters across a narrow gap between two neurons, where neurotransmitters interact with specific receptor proteins on the surface of the post-synaptic neurons, causing them either to depolarize (excitatory) or ______
Chemical Junctions allow the transfer of neurotransmitters across a narrow gap between two neurons, where neurotransmitters interact with specific receptor proteins on the surface of the post-synaptic neurons, causing them either to depolarize (excitatory) or ______
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Neurotransmitters are the chemical messengers produced by the body's ______ system
Neurotransmitters are the chemical messengers produced by the body's ______ system
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_________ is known to play a key role in attention, memory consolidation, and motor control.
_________ is known to play a key role in attention, memory consolidation, and motor control.
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_________ regulates mood, appetite, sleep patterns, cognition, and perception.
_________ regulates mood, appetite, sleep patterns, cognition, and perception.
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Altered levels of _________ have been linked to various psychiatric disorders like Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, and addiction.
Altered levels of _________ have been linked to various psychiatric disorders like Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, and addiction.
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_________ is widely employed to treat hypertension, anxiety, and depression.
_________ is widely employed to treat hypertension, anxiety, and depression.
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_________ is the most common inhibitory neurotransmitter known for its sedative effect and role in regulating brain activity.
_________ is the most common inhibitory neurotransmitter known for its sedative effect and role in regulating brain activity.
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_________ plays a critical role in learning, memory, sensory perception, and response to stimuli as the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system.
_________ plays a critical role in learning, memory, sensory perception, and response to stimuli as the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system.
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Study Notes
Neuron Communication: Understanding the Basics of Neurotransmitters and Synaptic Transmission
Neurons, also known as nerve cells, form a complex network within the human body responsible for transmitting information throughout our bodies. This intricate system allows us to sense, perceive, think, move, and experience emotions. In this article, we will delve into the fascinating world of neuron communication by exploring two critical aspects: neurotransmitters and synaptic transmission.
Neurotransmitters
Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers produced by the body's nervous system. They play a crucial role in various physiological processes, such as regulating mood, appetite, sleep, pain sensation, and the immune response. Here is a list of some common neurotransmitters and their functions:
Acetylcholine
Acetylcholine is one of the oldest and most well-known neurotransmitters. It has been described as a master regulator of the brain and central nervous system due to its diverse roles in cognitive performance, memory consolidation, attention, and reward processing.
Glutamate
Glutamate is the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the mammalian brain. Excitatory neurotransmitters activate post-synaptic receptors, causing an increase in membrane potential, which leads to further electrical activation along the neural pathway.
GABA
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the principal inhibitory neurotransmitter in the adult brain, playing a vital role in reducing cortical activity during sleep and modulating anxiety and fear responses.
Serotonin
Serotonin, also known as 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), is involved in regulating mood, appetite, sleep patterns, and pain perception. Low levels of serotonin have been linked to depression and other psychiatric disorders.
Dopamine
Dopamine is associated with motivation, reinforcement, and control over voluntary movement. Dysregulation of dopamine signaling can lead to conditions like Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia.
Each of these neurotransmitters serves unique purposes within the vast network of neurons, allowing us to carry out essential tasks and maintain homeostasis.
Synaptic Transmission
Synaptic transmission is the process through which neurotransmitters facilitate the transfer of electrical signals from one neuron to another. This process involves several components: pre-synaptic neuron, neurotransmitter release, synapse, postsynaptic neuron, and ion channels.
Pre-synaptic Neuron
The pre-synaptic neuron contains the neurotransmitter, which is stored in small vesicles called axonal varicosities or synaptic knobs. When the neuron needs to communicate, it undergoes depolarization—a change in voltage across its membranes—triggered by the arrival of electrical impulses.
Neurotransmitter Release
Depolarization causes calcium ions (Ca²⁺) to enter the presynaptic terminal. These Ca²⁺ ions bind to proteins on the vesicle membrane, triggering the fusion of the vesicle with the presynaptic plasma membrane. As a result, neurotransmitters are released into the synaptic cleft.
Post-synaptic Neuron
After being released into the synaptic cleft, neurotransmitters diffuse across the gap between the pre-synaptic and post-synaptic neurons. Once they reach the post-synaptic neuron, neurotransmitters interact with specific receptor molecules located on the surface of the neuron, inducing either activation or inhibition of downstream signaling cascades.
In conclusion, neuron communication is an intricate process involving the release of specific neurotransmitters and their interactions with post-synaptic neurons. This delicate balance is essential for maintaining proper functioning of the central nervous system and overall health.
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Description
Test your knowledge on neurotransmitters and synaptic transmission with this quiz focusing on understanding the critical aspects of neuron communication. Explore the roles of neurotransmitters like acetylcholine, glutamate, GABA, serotonin, and dopamine, along with the process of synaptic transmission from pre-synaptic to post-synaptic neurons.
