Neurotransmitters AP Psychology Flashcards

Study Notes

Neurotransmitters Overview

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals between neurons, playing a critical role in communication within the nervous system.
They are stored in the axon terminal of neurons until released to transmit messages to neighboring neurons.

Axon Terminal and Synapse

The axon terminal releases neurotransmitters into the synapse, which is the small gap between neurons. This gap prevents direct contact between neurons.

Types of Neurotransmitters

Excitatory Neurotransmitters: Stimulate brain activity by sending excitatory signals. Examples include:
- Acetylcholine: Influences muscle movement, learning, memory, and attention. Excess can lead to muscle spasms, while a deficit is linked to Alzheimer's disease.
- Norepinephrine: Governs arousal, alertness, and mood. High levels can cause anxiety; low levels are associated with depression and mental disorders.
- Glutamate: Crucial for learning and long-term memory. Too much can result in migraines or seizures; too little is linked to mental disorders.
Inhibitory Neurotransmitters: Calm brain activity through inhibitory signals. Examples include:
- Dopamine: Regulates mood, emotion, and arousal. Excess can lead to schizophrenia and addiction, while insufficient levels contribute to Parkinson's disease.
- Serotonin: Affects mood, hunger, and sleep patterns. Too much can cause hallucinations, whereas too little is associated with depression and mood disorders.
- GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid): Important for regulating the sleep/wake cycle. An excess can lead to sleep and eating disorders, while a deficit is linked to anxiety, epilepsy, and insomnia.
- Endorphins: Manage pain, stress response, and emotions. Overproduction can induce artificial highs and poor pain response; underproduction may lead to addiction, particularly to opiates.

Drug Interaction with Neurotransmitters

Agonists: Drugs that enhance the effect of neurotransmitters, increasing their activity.
Antagonists: Drugs that reduce the effect of neurotransmitters, decreasing their activity.

Description

Test your knowledge of neurotransmitters with this AP Psychology flashcard quiz. Explore the roles of neurotransmitters in neurons, their storage in axon terminals, and their function at synapses. Perfect for students looking to strengthen their understanding of the biological basis of psychology.