Biology I - Brain Structure - Neurotransmitter Anatomy

Q: What is the most common excitatory neurotransmitter in the CNS?

A: Glutamate.

Q: What neurotransmitters are widely distributed and inhibitory?

A: GABA and glycine.

Q: Which neurotransmitter is released by lower motor neurons onto skeletal muscle?

A: Acetylcholine.

Q: What neurotransmitter is produced in the raphe nuclei and diffuses widely?

A: Serotonin.

Q: Where is dopamine produced for motor control and where does it act?

A: Substantia nigra; acts on the basal ganglia.

Q: What brain region produces norepinephrine, and where does it project?

A: Locus coeruleus in the pons; projects to the cerebral cortex.

Q: Which neurotransmitter system is critical for consciousness and uses the reticular formation?

A: Glutamate in the reticular activating system.

Q: What neurotransmitter links the hypothalamus to the pituitary?

A: Dopamine.

Q: Which nuclei release acetylcholine to the cerebral cortex?

A: Basalis and septal nuclei.

Q: What neurotransmitter is produced in the hypothalamus and promotes wakefulness?

A: Histamine.

Q: Which dopamine pathway is involved in reward and motivation?

A: Ventral tegmental area (VTA) to cerebral cortex.

Q: Which neurotransmitters are involved in both CNS signaling and autonomic nervous system function?

A: Acetylcholine and norepinephrine.