Introduction to Neurotransmission and Potential

A collection of vocabulary flashcards covering the key concepts of neurotransmission, including definitions and important processes.

Presynaptic Neuron

The neuron that sends the signal.

Vesicles

Membrane-bound sacs within the presynaptic neuron that contain neurotransmitters.

Neurotransmitter

A signaling molecule released from neurons.

Synaptic Gap

The space between presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons.

Postsynaptic Neuron

The neuron that receives the signal.

Receptors

Proteins embedded in the membrane of the postsynaptic neuron that bind neurotransmitters.

Action Potential

A sharp depolarization and repolarization of the neuron's membrane.

Voltage Gated Calcium Channels

Channels that open in response to depolarization, allowing calcium ions to enter the presynaptic neuron.

Calcium Ions

Ions that trigger vesicles to release neurotransmitters when they enter the neuron.

Local Potential

A smaller change in membrane potential that is not sufficient to trigger an action potential.

EPSP (Excitatory Postsynaptic Potential)

A postsynaptic potential that brings the neuron closer to threshold.

IPSP (Inhibitory Postsynaptic Potential)

A postsynaptic potential that makes the neuron less likely to fire an action potential.

Summation

The process by which a postsynaptic neuron combines multiple inputs to determine if it will trigger an action potential.

Temporal Summation

Adding together inputs from the same presynaptic neuron at different times.

Spatial Summation

Adding inputs from multiple presynaptic neurons at the same time.

Ionotropic Receptors

Receptors that are ion channels that open when activated by neurotransmitters.

Metabotropic Receptors

Receptors that, when activated by neurotransmitters, initiate metabolic changes in the cell, often through G proteins.

Serotonin

A key neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation and other functions.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter important for emotion and motivation.

Norepinephrine

A neurotransmitter involved in arousal and attention.

GABA

The primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain.

Glutamate

The primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain.

Neurotransmitter Release

The process in which neurotransmitters are released from presynaptic vesicles into the synaptic gap.

Acetylcholine

A neurotransmitter that is released at the neuromuscular junction to trigger muscle contraction.

Absolute Refractory Period

The period during which no action potential can be generated, regardless of the stimulus.

Relative Refractory Period

The period during which a stronger-than-normal stimulus is needed to elicit an action potential.