Neurotransmission and Receptors Quiz

A small, membrane-bound sac located in the terminal button that contains neurotransmitters.

A specialized region of the presynaptic membrane where neurotransmitters are released.

A protein complex that attaches to the presynaptic membrane, holding the synaptic vesicle in place.

A type of neurotransmitter that is a short protein composed of 3-36 amino acids. They are typically contained within large synaptic vesicles.

A process where a neuron releases more than one type of neurotransmitter.

Channels in the presynaptic membrane that open when an action potential arrives, allowing calcium ions to flow into the terminal button.

A temporary opening formed when a synaptic vesicle fuses with the presynaptic membrane, allowing neurotransmitters to be released into the synaptic cleft.

The combined effect of multiple postsynaptic potentials (PSPs) occurring simultaneously at different locations on a neuron.

The combined effect of multiple postsynaptic potentials (PSPs) arriving in rapid succession at the same location on a neuron.

The process by which postsynaptic potentials (PSPs) are terminated to prevent continuous signaling.

A method of PSP termination where specialized transporter molecules remove neurotransmitters from the synaptic cleft and return them to the presynaptic neuron.

A method of PSP termination where enzymes break down neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft.

Synapses between the terminal button of an axon and the dendrite or dendritic spine of another neuron.

Synapses between the terminal button of an axon and the cell body of another neuron.

Synapses between the terminal buttons of two different axons.

A type of axoaxonic synapse that decreases the amount of neurotransmitter released by the postsynaptic axon.

A drug that prevents the neurotransmitter from activating the receptor by binding to the receptor's binding site.

A drug that binds to a site on the receptor that is different from the neurotransmitter binding site, and prevents the ion channel from opening.

A drug that binds to a site on the receptor that is different from the neurotransmitter binding site, and facilitates the opening of the ion channel.

Glutamate is the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the CNS. It is synthesized from a precursor called glutamine by the enzyme glutaminase. It is stored in vesicles and released at the synapse.

GABA is the most prevalent inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS. It is produced from a precursor called glutamic acid by the enzyme glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD). It is stored in vesicles and released at the synapse.

Synapses where the pre- and postsynaptic cells are dendrites, allowing for communication between dendrites.

Chemical synapses that are found between two dendrites, involving the release of neurotransmitters by one dendrite and a postsynaptic thickening in the other.

Electrical synapses where the membranes of the two dendrites almost touch, forming a gap junction that allows for direct ion flow.

Channels that allow ions to pass from one cell to another, found in gap junctions of electrical synapses.

Chemicals released by neurons that travel farther and disperse more widely than neurotransmitters, modulating the activity of many neurons and influencing general behavioral states.

Neuromodulators are typically composed of chains of amino acids.

Substances released by endocrine glands or various organs that circulate through the bloodstream and affect the activity of target cells, including neurons.

Cells that contain specific receptors for a particular hormone and are thus affected by that hormone.

The study of the effects of drugs on the nervous system and behavior.

A chemical produced outside the body that alters cellular functions, often impacting the nervous system when consumed in low doses.

Drugs that prevent the action of a particular neurotransmitter by binding to its receptor site, thus blocking its activation.

Molecules located in the membrane of synaptic vesicles that fill the vesicles with neurotransmitters.

Drugs that bind to vesicle transporters and deactivate them, preventing neurotransmitter from being loaded into the vesicles.

Certain proteins that trigger the fusion of docked synaptic vesicles with the presynaptic membrane, allowing neurotransmitters to be released.

Drugs that block the action of fusion proteins, preventing the release of neurotransmitters from synaptic vesicles.

Drugs that bind to fusion proteins and directly trigger the release of neurotransmitters from synaptic vesicles.

Drugs that act as precursors to increase the amount of a neurotransmitter synthesized and released.

Enzymes that control the synthesis of neurotransmitters from precursors.

Drugs that deactivate neurotransmitter synthesis enzymes, preventing the production of the corresponding neurotransmitter.