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Questions and Answers
Spatial summation of post-synaptic potentials involves:
Spatial summation of post-synaptic potentials involves:
- The change in sensitivity of a neuron to a single input.
- The decrease in the size of EPSPs over time.
- The addition of EPSPs generated by a single neuron firing at a high frequency.
- The addition of EPSPs generated simultaneously by multiple neurons. (correct)
Temporal summation of post-synaptic potentials depends on:
Temporal summation of post-synaptic potentials depends on:
- Simultaneous activation of multiple neurons.
- Activation of NMDA receptors in the post-synaptic cell.
- Presynaptic inhibition from other neurons.
- High-frequency firing of a single neuron. (correct)
A single EPSP is typically sufficient to generate an action potential in the post-synaptic neuron.
A single EPSP is typically sufficient to generate an action potential in the post-synaptic neuron.
False (B)
During synaptic transmission, what directly causes the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft?
During synaptic transmission, what directly causes the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft?
Which of the following is the primary mechanism for removing neurotransmitters from the synapse?
Which of the following is the primary mechanism for removing neurotransmitters from the synapse?
Name three mechanisms by which neurotransmitters are removed from the synapse.
Name three mechanisms by which neurotransmitters are removed from the synapse.
Which of the following neurotransmitters is considered the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain?
Which of the following neurotransmitters is considered the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain?
Which of the following neurotransmitters is considered the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain?
Which of the following neurotransmitters is considered the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain?
Glycine is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain.
Glycine is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain.
________ is an inhibitory transmitter in the spinal cord and brainstem.
________ is an inhibitory transmitter in the spinal cord and brainstem.
Long-term potentiation (LTP) involves:
Long-term potentiation (LTP) involves:
Which receptor plays a critical role in long-term potentiation (LTP) by allowing calcium to enter the postsynaptic cell?
Which receptor plays a critical role in long-term potentiation (LTP) by allowing calcium to enter the postsynaptic cell?
During long-term potentiation (LTP), what change occurs in the postsynaptic neuron to strengthen the synapse?
During long-term potentiation (LTP), what change occurs in the postsynaptic neuron to strengthen the synapse?
Presynaptic inhibition reduces the amount of neurotransmitter released by:
Presynaptic inhibition reduces the amount of neurotransmitter released by:
Presynaptic facilitation increases the amount of neurotransmitter released by:
Presynaptic facilitation increases the amount of neurotransmitter released by:
Presynaptic inhibition involves a neuron synapsing directly onto the post-synaptic neuron to reduce its activity.
Presynaptic inhibition involves a neuron synapsing directly onto the post-synaptic neuron to reduce its activity.
Match the following neurotransmitters with their primary function:
Match the following neurotransmitters with their primary function:
What is the role of calcium ions ($Ca^{2+}$) in synaptic transmission?
What is the role of calcium ions ($Ca^{2+}$) in synaptic transmission?
What is the primary effect of an IPSP on the postsynaptic neuron?
What is the primary effect of an IPSP on the postsynaptic neuron?
The equilibrium potential of ________ is close to the resting membrane potential of a neuron in general, influencing the effect of IPSPs.
The equilibrium potential of ________ is close to the resting membrane potential of a neuron in general, influencing the effect of IPSPs.
The activation of AMPA receptors leads to:
The activation of AMPA receptors leads to:
Which type of neurotransmitter receptor directly allows the flow of ions across the cell membrane?
Which type of neurotransmitter receptor directly allows the flow of ions across the cell membrane?
Which of these biogenic amines has a neuromodulatory role?
Which of these biogenic amines has a neuromodulatory role?
Metabotropic receptors directly allow ions to flow through them.
Metabotropic receptors directly allow ions to flow through them.
How does long-term depression (LTD) affect synaptic transmission?
How does long-term depression (LTD) affect synaptic transmission?
What change in calcium channel function can occur in the presynaptic cell during long-term potentiation?
What change in calcium channel function can occur in the presynaptic cell during long-term potentiation?
What is the role of NMDA receptors when a presynaptic neuron is very active?
What is the role of NMDA receptors when a presynaptic neuron is very active?
The disease Rett syndrome is linked to synaptic mechanisms of ________ type glutamate receptors.
The disease Rett syndrome is linked to synaptic mechanisms of ________ type glutamate receptors.
An IPSP will always cause hyperpolarization on the postsynaptic neuron.
An IPSP will always cause hyperpolarization on the postsynaptic neuron.
Flashcards
Spatial Summation
Spatial Summation
The summation of post-synaptic potentials from different locations at the same time.
Temporal Summation
Temporal Summation
The summation of post-synaptic potentials from the same location over a short period of time.
Synaptic Transmission Events
Synaptic Transmission Events
Action potential reaches axon terminals, VG calcium channels open, neurotransmitter is released into cleft, neurotransmitter binds to receptors on the postsynaptic cell.
Classes of Neurotransmitters
Classes of Neurotransmitters
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Main Neurotransmitters in Brain
Main Neurotransmitters in Brain
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Long-Term Potentiation (LTP)
Long-Term Potentiation (LTP)
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Presynaptic Facilitation and Inhibition
Presynaptic Facilitation and Inhibition
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Why EPSPs Depolarize
Why EPSPs Depolarize
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Spatial Summation Explained
Spatial Summation Explained
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Temporal Summation Explained
Temporal Summation Explained
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Neurotransmitter Release Mechanism
Neurotransmitter Release Mechanism
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Neurotransmitter Removal
Neurotransmitter Removal
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Ionotropic vs. Metabotropic Receptors
Ionotropic vs. Metabotropic Receptors
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AMPA Receptor Function
AMPA Receptor Function
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NMDA Receptor Function
NMDA Receptor Function
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Intracellular LTP Processes
Intracellular LTP Processes
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What is Long-Term Potentiation?
What is Long-Term Potentiation?
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What is Long-Term Depression?
What is Long-Term Depression?
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Presynaptic Changes in Potentiation
Presynaptic Changes in Potentiation
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Study Notes
Spatial and Temporal Summation of Post-Synaptic Potentials
- Spatial summation is when simultaneous inputs from multiple neurons (A and B) add up on the receiving neuron to reach the threshold for an action potential.
- Temporal summation relies on the frequency of firing of a single neuron, with EPSPs generated faster building on each other to depolarize the cell and potentially trigger an action potential.
- Both spatial and temporal summation occur simultaneously in neurons.
Synaptic Transmission Events
- An action potential reaches the axon terminals and opens voltage-gated calcium (Ca2+) channels.
- Calcium influx causes exocytosis and release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft.
- Neurotransmitters bind to receptors (e.g., AMPA) on the postsynaptic cell.
- Activation of AMPA receptors (e.g., by glutamate) causes them to open, allowing Na+ to flow into the cell, generating an EPSP.
- Alternative effects include activation of NMDA receptors and second messengers, or activation of G-protein linked receptors by neuromodulators.
- The neurotransmitter is removed from the synapse by being transformed, diffusing away, or actively transported back to the presynaptic neuron.
Classes of Neurotransmitters or Neuromodulators
- Acetylcholine (ACh)
- Biogenic Amines: Dopamine, Norepinephrine, Serotonin
- Amino Acids: Glutamate, GABA
- Neuropeptides
- Other: Nitric Oxide
Main Excitatory and Inhibitory Neurotransmitters in the Brain
- Glutamate is the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain.
- GABA is the widespread inhibitory neurotransmitter.
- Glycine is an inhibitory transmitter in the spinal cord and brainstem.
Long-Term Potentiation (LTP)
- LTP is a form of synaptic plasticity that strengthens the connection between neurons.
- When a presynaptic neuron is highly active, glutamate is released, opening both AMPA and NMDA receptors.
- LTP involves intracellular processes like increasing the sensitivity of existing AMPA channels, inserting new AMPA channels into the cell membrane, and making new AMPA channels.
- With LTP, the postsynaptic neuron responds more strongly to the same amount of glutamate released, improving the input/output mapping.
- Presynaptic changes during potentiation include altered Ca2+ channels leading to increased Ca2+ entry and greater neurotransmitter release.
Presynaptic Facilitation and Presynaptic Inhibition
- Presynaptic inhibition and facilitation involve a third neuron (D) synapsing on the axon terminal of another neuron (A), rather than on the postsynaptic cell (C).
- In presynaptic inhibition, neurotransmitter release from neuron D reduces the amount of calcium entering the axon terminal of neuron A, decreasing neurotransmitter release (e.g., AP = 2 vesicles = 0.5 mV).
- In presynaptic facilitation, neurotransmitter release from neuron D increases calcium entry into the axon terminal of neuron A, increasing neurotransmitter release (e.g., AP = 8 vesicles = 2 mV).
- Presynaptic inhibition and facilitation tune the individual effects of a single neuron (A), allowing for fine-tuning of neural circuits.
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