Introduction to Neurotransmitters

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to neurotransmitters, their functions, and the biochemical processes involved in neurotransmission, based on the provided lecture notes.

Neurotransmitter

Chemicals that transmit signals across a synapse from one neuron to another.

Acetylcholine

A neurotransmitter involved in muscle movement and memory, synthesized from choline and acetate.

Dopamine

A monoamine neurotransmitter associated with reward, motivation, and motor control.

Reuptake

The process by which neurotransmitters are taken back into the presynaptic neuron after they have transmitted a signal.

Exocytosis

The process of neurotransmitter release from vesicles into the synaptic cleft upon neuron activation.

Ionotropic receptors

Receptors that are ligand-gated ion channels, leading to immediate changes in ion flow across the membrane.

Metabotropic receptors

Receptors that trigger intracellular signaling cascades, often through G-proteins, resulting in longer-lasting effects.

Calmodulin

A calcium-binding messenger protein that plays a critical role in various cellular processes, including neurotransmitter release.

Agonist

A substance that enhances or mimics the action of a neurotransmitter.

Antagonist

A substance that blocks or diminishes the effect of a neurotransmitter.

Neuroplasticity

The ability of the brain to change and adapt as a result of experience, including changes in synaptic strength.

Autoreceptors

Receptors located on the presynaptic neuron that respond to the neurotransmitter released by that neuron, helping to regulate further neurotransmitter release.

Heteroreceptors

Receptors that respond to neurotransmitters released by other neurons, influencing neurotransmitter release.

Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF)

A neuropeptide involved in stress response and regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.

Nitric oxide (NO)

A gas neurotransmitter that plays a role in vasodilation and neural signaling.

Endorphins

Neuropeptides that act as natural painkillers and are involved in pleasure and reward.

Synaptic vesicles

Small membrane-bound sacs that store neurotransmitters at the nerve terminal until they are released.

Calcium channels

Membrane proteins that allow calcium ions to enter the neuron, crucial for neurotransmitter release.

Dopaminergic system

The neural pathways in the brain that use dopamine as a neurotransmitter.