L6 Nuerons and synapses

Flashcards for lecture review.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that transmit signals across a synapse.

Synapse

The junction between two neurons where communication occurs.

Synaptic cleft

The space between two neurons at a synapse.

Vesicles

Small sacs that store neurotransmitters.

Agonist

A substance that binds to a receptor and activates it, mimics action of naturally occuring substance.

Antagonist

A substance that blocks or suppresses the action of an agonist.

Acetylcholine

A neurotransmitter involved in muscle movement and memory.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter involved in movement, motivation, and reward.

Parkinson’s disease

A neurodegenerative disorder characterized by tremor, rigidity, and slow movement. Not enough dopamine, can be treated with dopamine agonists.

Schizophrenia

A mental disorder characterized by delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thinking. Too much dopamine, can be treated with dopamine antagonists.

Deep Brain Stimulation

A treatment for Parkinson's disease and other neurological disorders that involves implanting electrodes in the brain.

Neurotransmitter Reuptake

The process where neurotransmitters are taken back up into the presynaptic neuron.