ch2

Reflexes

automatic muscular responses to stimuli.

Reflex Arc

a circuit from sensory neuron to muscle response.

Temporal Summation

a cumulative effect of repeated stimuli within a brief time.

Presynaptic Neuron

neuron that delivers transmission to another neuron.

Postsynaptic Neuron

neuron that receives transmission from another neuron.

Excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP)

graded depolarisation

Inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP)

temporary hyperpolarisation of a membrane.

Spatial Summation

combination of effects of activity from two or more synapses onto a single neuron.

Spontaneous firing rate

a periodic production of action potentials even without synaptic input.

Synaptic Cleft

The space between the presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons.

Neurotransmitters

chemicals released by neurons that affect other neurons.

Neuromodulators

chains of amino acids.

Nitric oxide

a gas released by many small local neurons.

Exocytosis

a release of neurotransmitter from the presynaptic neuron into the synaptic cleft.

Ionotropic Effects

synaptic effects that depend on the rapid opening of some kind of gate in the membrane.

Transmitter-gated

ion channel that opens temporarily when a neurotransmitter binds to it.

Ligand-gated

channel that opens when a neurotransmitter attaches.

Hallucinogenic Drugs

drugs that distort perception.

Opiate Drugs

drugs derived from the opium poppy.

Transporter

special membrane protein where reuptake occurs in the neurotransmitter binds to it.

Reuptake

reabsorption of a neurotransmitter by the presynaptic terminal.

Amphetamine

a drug that blocks reuptake of dopamine and other neurotransmitters.

Cocaine

a drug that blocks reuptake of dopamine.

Methylphenidate

stimulant drug prescribed for ADHD that increases the stimulation of dopamine synapses by blocking the reuptake of dopamine by the presynaptic neuron.

Autoreceptor

receptor on a presynaptic neuron that responds to the released transmitter by inhibiting further release of it.

Cannabinoids

chemicals related to Delta-9-THC

Gap Junction

a direct contact of one neuron with another, enabling electrical transmission.

Hormone

chemical that is secreted by cells in one part of the body and conveyed by the blood to influence other cells.

Endocrine glands

hormone-producing glands.

Pituitary Gland

an endocrine gland attached to the base of the hypothalamus.

Anterior Pituitary

portion of the pituitary gland, composed of glandular tissue.

Posterior Pituitary

portion of the pituitary gland, which releases hormones synthesised by the hypothalamus.

Oxytocin

hormone released by posterior pituitary; important for sexual and parental behaviours.

Vassopressin

antidiuretic hormone) hormone released by posterior pituitary; raises blood pressure and enables kidneys to conserve water.

Releasing Hormone

hormone released by the hypothalamus that flows through the blood to the anterior pituitary.