Final Neuro Study Guide

Serotonin

A neurotransmitter derived from tryptophan, involved in mood regulation and various brain functions.

Tryptophan

An amino acid necessary for the synthesis of serotonin, obtained from dietary protein-rich foods.

5-HIAA

The major metabolic product of serotonin breakdown by monoamine oxidase (MAO).

SERT (Serotonin Transporter)

Located on the presynaptic terminal, it is responsible for the reuptake of serotonin from the synaptic cleft.

MAO (Monoamine Oxidase)

An enzyme located within mitochondria that degrades serotonin, helping to regulate serotonin levels in the brain.

Genetic manipulation of serotonin

Altering genes associated with serotonin production or receptor function.

Pharmacologic manipulation of serotonin

Using medications, such as SSRIs and MAOIs, to influence serotonin levels.

Resident Intruder Test

An experimental test used to measure the impact of serotonin levels on aggression by observing behaviors in animals.

IBS-D

Irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea predominant, linked to serotonin hyperactivity.

IBS-C

Irritable bowel syndrome with constipation predominant, associated with altered serotonin activity.

Hallucinogens

Substances that cause perceptual or cognitive distortions, often acting as agonists at the 5-HT2 receptor.

Synesthesia

A neurological condition where sensory experiences are mixed, allowing stimuli to be perceived simultaneously in multiple senses.

Monoamine Hypothesis

The theory proposing a neurochemical basis for mood disorders, specifically linking them to neurotransmitter levels.

Serotonin Hypothesis

The assertion that lower levels of serotonin, indicated by reduced 5-HIAA, are linked to major depressive disorder.

SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor)

A type of medication that blocks the reuptake of serotonin, increasing its availability in the brain.

MAOI (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor)

A medication that inhibits the breakdown of monoamines, including serotonin, thus increasing its levels.

Acetylcholine

A crucial neurotransmitter involved in many functions, including muscle control and memory.

Acetylcholinesterase

An enzyme that hydrolyzes acetylcholine in the synapse, terminating its action.

Nicotinic receptors

Ionotropic receptors that mediate fast synaptic transmission by responding to acetylcholine.

Muscarinic receptors

Metabotropic receptors that mediate slower, longer-lasting effects of acetylcholine.

Neuromuscular junction

The synapse between a motor neuron and a muscle fiber where acetylcholine induces muscle contraction.

Botulinum toxin

A substance that inhibits the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, causing temporary muscle paralysis.

Choline transporter

A protein responsible for recycling choline back into the presynaptic terminal for acetylcholine synthesis.

Corticospinal pathway

A neural pathway that connects the motor cortex to the spinal cord, facilitating voluntary motor control.

Basal forebrain cholinergic neurons

Neurons that release acetylcholine and play a role in sensory perception and cognitive functions.

Sympathetic nervous system

Part of the autonomic nervous system that primarily uses norepinephrine to regulate bodily functions.

Parasympathetic nervous system

Part of the autonomic nervous system that primarily utilizes acetylcholine to influence target organs.

5-HT2 receptor

A subtype of serotonin receptor that is acted upon by many hallucinogens.

Neurotransmitter reuptake

The process by which neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, are reabsorbed into the presynaptic neuron to terminate their signal.

Degradation of serotonin

The breakdown of serotonin by MAO, contributing to the regulation of its levels in the brain.

Acetyl CoA

A molecule derived from fat and sugar metabolism that is a precursor for acetylcholine synthesis.