Introduction to Neurobiology

These flashcards summarize key concepts and terminology related to neurobiology, synaptic transmission, and action potentials discussed in the lecture.

Action Potential

A rapid rise and fall in membrane potential that occurs when a neuron fires.

Voltage Gated Ion Channels

Protein channels in the neuronal membrane that open or close in response to changes in membrane potential.

Synaptic Transmission

The process through which signaling molecules are released by a neuron and bind to a receptor of another neuron.

Excitatory Postsynaptic Potentials (EPSPs)

Events that make the membrane potential more positive, increasing the likelihood of an action potential.

Inhibitory Postsynaptic Potentials (IPSPs)

Events that make the membrane potential more negative, decreasing the likelihood of an action potential.

Neurotransmitter Synthesis

The process of producing neurotransmitters from precursor molecules within a neuron.

Exocytosis

The process through which synaptic vesicles release neurotransmitter molecules into the synaptic cleft.

Agonist

A compound that increases the effect of a neurotransmitter on the postsynaptic neuron.

Antagonist

A compound that decreases the effect of a neurotransmitter on the postsynaptic neuron.

Reuptake

The process through which neurotransmitters are reabsorbed into the presynaptic neuron after being used.

Enzymatic Breakdown

The process where enzymes break down neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft, terminating their action.

Spatial Summation

The process by which multiple synaptic inputs at different locations can combine to influence the postsynaptic potential.

Temporal Summation

The process by which multiple postsynaptic potentials that occur in rapid succession can combine and affect the postsynaptic neuron.

Autoreceptors

Receptors located on the presynaptic neuron that bind to neurotransmitters released by the neuron itself.

Dendrites

The branching extensions of a neuron that receive signals from other neurons.

Presynaptic Neuron

The neuron that releases neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft.

Postsynaptic Neuron

The neuron that receives neurotransmitters through its receptors.