Neurotransmission Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is neurotransmission?

The uptake of nutrients by neurons

The process of neuron death

The process of signal transmission within a neuron

The release of neurotransmitters between neurons (correct)

What are the characteristics of anatomical neurotransmission?

Hard-wired synaptic connections between neurons.

What are axodendritic connections?

Axon to dendrite terminals.

What defines axosomatic connections?

Axon terminals on the cell body (soma). Signup and view all the answers

Describe axoaxonic connections.

Axon to axon terminals. Signup and view all the answers

What happens in classic synaptic neurotransmission?

Electrical impulses are sent to the axon terminal, converted into chemical messengers, and released to stimulate the receptors of a postsynaptic neuron. Signup and view all the answers

Which are the six key neurotransmitters?

Dopamine Signup and view all the answers

What is retrograde neurotransmission?

Communication from postsynaptic neurons to presynaptic neurons. Signup and view all the answers

Define volume neurotransmission.

Neurotransmission that occurs without a synapse. Signup and view all the answers

What does classic neurotransmission involve?

Involves sending a chemical messenger, or neurotransmitter, between neurons. Signup and view all the answers

Explain secretion coupling.

Conversion of electrical impulses into chemical signals at the synapse. Signup and view all the answers

What are pyramidal cells?

A type of neuron found in regions like the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. Signup and view all the answers

What are the characteristics of double bouquet cells?

Bitufted dendritic morphology; abundant in the visual cortex. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of basket cells?

To make inhibitory synapses and control the potentials of target cells. Signup and view all the answers

Identify spiny neurons.

A type of GABA-ergic inhibitory cell in the human striatum. Signup and view all the answers

What defines Purkinje cells?

They are large neurons with elaborate dendritic arbors found in the cerebellum. Signup and view all the answers

What are the main structures of neuron cells?

Membranes, nucleus, endoreticulum, polysomes, mitochondria, Golgi bodies, neurofilaments. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of dendrites?

To receive signals. Signup and view all the answers

What does the soma do?

Maintain cell integrity and integrate signals. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of axons?

To conduct signals. Signup and view all the answers

What are terminals in the context of neurons?

To send signals to surrounding cells. Signup and view all the answers

Define endogenous ligands.

Neurotransmitters or hormones inside the body. Signup and view all the answers

What are exogenous ligands?

Drugs or toxins outside the body. Signup and view all the answers

What does ionotropic mean?

Neuronal transmission through the movement of ions across the cell membrane. Signup and view all the answers

What is known about metabotropic receptors?

I don't know yet. Signup and view all the answers

An axon terminal is where signals are ______.

sent. Signup and view all the answers

The axon hillock is crucial for ______.

signal initiation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the process of degradation in neurotransmission?

Rapid breakdown or inactivation of a neurotransmitter by an enzyme. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Neurotransmission Concepts

Neurotransmission, or synaptic transmission, involves the release of neurotransmitters by a presynaptic neuron, which bind to the receptors of a postsynaptic neuron.
Anatomical neurotransmission refers to the complex physical wiring of neurons, similar to telephone wires, facilitating electrical impulses between synapses.

Types of Neuronal Connections

Axodendritic connections: Axon terminals connect to dendrites.
Axosomatic connections: Axon terminals connect directly to the cell body (soma).
Axoaxonic connections: Axon terminals interact with other axons.

Classic and Retrograde Neurotransmission

Classic synaptic neurotransmission involves presynaptic neuron stimulation converting electrical signals into chemical messengers that activate postsynaptic receptors.
Retrograde neurotransmission allows postsynaptic neurons to communicate back to presynaptic neurons, utilizing endocannabinoids produced in the postsynaptic neuron.

Volume Neurotransmission

Volume neurotransmission occurs without direct synaptic connections, allowing neurotransmitters to diffuse to distant receptors, representing how communication can spill over like a "chemical soup" in the brain.

Secretion Mechanisms

Secretion coupling converts electrical impulses in presynaptic neurons into chemical signals at synapses, often involving voltage-sensitive calcium channels.

Types of Neurons

Pyramidal cells are excitatory neurons located in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala.
Double bouquet cells are interneurons found in the visual cortex, noted for their unique morphology and role in cortical circuits.
Basket cells are interneurons that create inhibitory synapses, controlling the action potential discharge of target cells.
Spiny neurons, primarily GABAergic, make up 95% of striatal neurons, categorized into D1-type and D2-type based on their pathways and receptor profiles.
Purkinje cells are large neurons in the cerebellum, responsible for motor coordination output, receiving numerous synaptic connections.

Neuron Structure and Function

Key components of neuron cell structures include membranes, nucleus, endoreticulum, polysomes, mitochondria, Golgi bodies, and neurofilaments.
Dendrites receive signals; the soma (cell body) maintains integrity and integrates incoming signals; axons conduct signals away, while terminals send signals to surrounding cells.

Ligands and Receptors

Endogenous ligands are naturally occurring neurotransmitters and hormones within the body.
Exogenous ligands refer to external substances like drugs and toxins.
Ionotropic receptors facilitate neurotransmission through ion movement across membranes.
Metabotropic receptors involve complex signaling pathways that may influence neuron activity (details to be learned).

Neurotransmitter Processing

Degradation involves the rapid breakdown or inactivation of neurotransmitters by enzymes, ensuring neurotransmitter levels are tightly regulated.

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Description

Explore key concepts of neurotransmission with these flashcards from Chapter 1. Learn about the process of neurotransmission and its anatomical aspects. Perfect for students looking to deepen their understanding of neuroscience.

Neurotransmission Flashcards - Chapter 1

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