Neuroanatomy and Neurotransmitters

Flashcards covering neuron anatomy, neurotransmitter functions, glial cells, synapse components, and reuptake mechanism based on lecture notes.

The cell body of a neuron that contains a nucleus at the center is the __________.

Soma

Fibrous extensions off of the soma that can number from a few to hundreds and receive incoming neurotransmitter chemicals are called __________.

Dendrites

Specific locations along a dendrite that act like harbors for incoming neurotransmitters in a lock and key system are __________.

Receptor Sites

Axons are extensions off of the soma that vary in size from microscopic to __________ long.

$$2\text{-}3\,\text{ft}$$

The region where the soma and axon come together and where the electrical impulse begins is the __________.

Hillock

Extensions off of the axon that feature bulbs at the tip are known as __________.

Terminals

Pouches in the terminal bulbs that manufacture and release neurotransmitter chemicals are called sacs or __________.

Vesicles

Out of approximately 100 neurotransmitters, 50 are named, and we only know what __________ of them do.

$$\frac{1}{4}$$

The neurotransmitter used in parts of the brain involved in regulating movement and experiencing pleasure is __________.

Dopamine

The neurotransmitter located in the hippocampus that helps process memory for long-term storage in the cortex is __________.

Acetylcholine

The neurotransmitter involved in arousal and mood regulation that is also known as adrenaline is __________.

Norepinephrine

The most prevalent neurotransmitter in the cortex that is strictly inhibitory is __________.

GABA (Gama Amino Butyric Acid)

The neurotransmitter that is primarily excitatory and associated with epilepsy, amnesia, anxiety, or psychosis is __________.

Glutamate

The neurotransmitter principally included in the regulation of sleep, mood, and eating is __________.

Serotonin

Neurotransmitters that bind opiate receptors and moderate pain are __________.

endorphins

The neurotransmitter responsible for transmitting pain signals is __________.

Substance P

The whitish fatty substance that encases and insulates the axon is called the __________.

Myelin Sheath

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is characterized as a disease of myelin and __________.

axons

The cells referred to as the house keeper cells of the nervous system are __________.

Glial cells

Octopus-like cells that clean the myelin sheath, ensure it grows in layers, and supply nourishment are __________.

Schwann cells (Oligodendrocytes)

In a synapse, the sending neuron is the presynaptic neuron, while the receiving neuron is the __________ neuron.

post synaptic

The gap or space located between neurons in a synapse is called the __________.

cleft

The process after a neuron fires where it pulls back and recycles neurotransmitters to store them for future use is called __________.

Reuptake

An example of a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) is __________.

Prozac