Synapse Study Guide PDF

[The Synapse] What is the synapse? In the action potential the signal is (**electrical**/chemical), when it gets to the synapse it becomes (electrical/**chemical**). [Typical synaptic functioning: ] 1\. **Action Potiental** arrives at theTerminal to send message 2\. Calcium channels open and...

[The Synapse] What is the synapse? In the action potential the signal is (**electrical**/chemical), when it gets to the synapse it becomes (electrical/**chemical**). [Typical synaptic functioning: ] 1\. **Action Potiental** arrives at theTerminal to send message 2\. Calcium channels open and calcium rushes in 3\. Vessicle fuse with the membrane 4\. **Neurotransmitter** dumped into **Synapse** - - - **Excitatory (make cell more positive for action potential): Neurotransmitters that increase the likelihood of the postsynaptic neuron generating an action potential.** - **Inhibitory (make cell more negative for repolarizaion to resting potential): Decrease the likelihood of the postsynaptic neuron generating an action potential.** - 5\. **NT** binds with **Postsynaptic receptors**, causes: - - - **6. [Re-uptake/enzymatic breakdown]** of NT **- Re-uptake through NT transporter so it can be re-used** **- Destroyed by enzymes (such as Acetylcholinesterase)** What are **pleasure centers** in the brain? What is their purpose? - - 2 neurotransmitters that are commonly found in pleasure centers? What drugs are associated with them? ** Dopamine = neurotransmitter that influences behavior, mood, attention, memory** **○ What happens when we have too little? associated w/lack of motivation, depression / feel worse** **○ More dopamine? Feel better/happy** **○ What do you think many of the substances people are addicted to (sugar, smoking) do to dopamine levels? Increase // Many substances/activities people are addicted to increase dopamine** **○ Associated drug: Cocaine (due to bad luck, has the same shape to fit in the receptors)** ** Binds to re-uptake receptors (dopamine reuptake transporters) and blocks them** ** Dopamine remains in synapse and continues to attach to receptors and send feel-good signals** ** Serotonin = maintaining mood balance, also helps bodily functions, such as sleep and digestion** - - - - **[\_\_\_Caffeine\_\_]\_\_** is a drug that makes us less tired and more alert. Why do we get tired in the first place? Adenosine: **type of cellular waste product/byproduct produced when cells use energy (from ATP-primary source of fuel/energy - produced in mitochondria).** Adenosine binds to We get rid of adenosine **\_\_\_adenosine receptors\_\_\_.** **○ signals to our body that we are tired.** **○ Binding causes drowsiness by slowing down nerve cell activity** **○ When adenosine receptors are filled, the ion channels open and the cell becomes less likely to fire. ○ Reduces likelihood of action potentials** by **\_\_sleeping\_\_\_.** **○ cellular waste products such as adenosine are reabsorbed and recycled** **○ feel "refreshed" in the morning.** How does caffeine prevent us from getting tired? - - - - ** It blocks the receptors from binding to adenosine** ** Therefore, your neurons do not feel tired** - 1. a. b. c. d. e.