Neurotransmitters and Signaling Concepts

A surgical procedure that makes a hole in the skull.

Cavities in the brain producing and circulating cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

The theory that skull bumps relate to mental abilities and character traits.

The theory that brain areas can compensate for damaged regions' functions.

A technique to visualize nervous tissue by staining a small percentage of neurons.

A rapid change in membrane potential that travels along neurons.

Channels that open during depolarization to allow Na⁺ influx.

The process of returning the membrane potential to a negative value after an AP.

Channels that open during repolarization allowing K⁺ to exit the cell.

The sequence of ion movements during different phases of the action potential.

Process that accelerates depolarization during the rising phase of the AP.

AP occurs fully once the threshold is reached; its amplitude and duration are constant.

Agents that stop Na⁺ or K⁺ channels can prevent or prolong APs.

Elements affecting neuron and glial cell damage, including genetics and lifestyle.

Specific HLA gene variants that increase risk for neurological diseases.

Calcium influx triggers vesicle fusion, releasing neurotransmitters.

Botulinum toxin prevents ACh release by cleaving SNARE proteins.

Blocks GABA and glycine release, leading to continuous muscle contraction.

Causes muscle weakness, drooping eyelids, fatigue with activity.

Target nicotinic ACh receptors, disrupting transmission at NMJ.

Strength of binding interaction between a molecule and its receptor.

Weakening of synaptic connections due to low-frequency stimulation.

Activation relies on the postsynaptic neuron's stimulation frequency.

Calcium activates signaling pathways and alters AMPA receptor interactions.

Tests for spatial memory, using mazes like the water maze and radial arm maze.

Learning process where a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a naturally occurring stimulus.

A protein that binds acetylcholine, triggering cell responses.

A protein complex that responds to GABA, inhibiting neuron activity.

Brain region involved in memory consolidation and spatial navigation.

Communication between nearby cells through methods like synaptic signaling.

Communication across the body via hormones (endocrine signaling).

A substance that activates a receptor, causing a biological response.

EPSPs depolarize membranes to increase action potential likelihood; IPSPs hyperpolarize to decrease it.

Spatial is combining signals from different locations; temporal is from the same source in quick succession.

Order of steps leading to neurotransmitter release: action potential, Ca²⁺ influx, vesicle fusion, release, receptor binding, membrane potential change.

The same neurotransmitter can be excitatory or inhibitory depending on the receptor it binds to.

Benzodiazepines enhance GABA receptor activity; barbiturates extend opening duration of Cl- channels.

Calcium enters axonal terminal when action potentials open voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channels.

Procedural memory is implicit (skills), while declarative memory is explicit (facts).

Conditioned stimulus elicits response after conditioning; unconditioned stimulus naturally triggers response.

Sensitization is increased response to a stimulus; habituation is decreased response to a repeated stimulus.