Neurotransmitters and Neural Circuits

Flashcards covering key concepts related to neurotransmitters, action potentials, and neural circuitry.

Neuron

The basic functional unit of the nervous system responsible for transmitting information.

Neurotransmitter

Chemicals released by neurons that transmit signals across synapses.

Action potential

A brief electrical impulse that travels down a neuron, leading to neurotransmitter release.

Calcium ion

An ion that triggers neurotransmitter release from axon terminals.

Acetylcholine (ACh)

A neurotransmitter involved in muscle contraction and neuronal communication.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter associated with reward and pleasure in the brain.

Serotonin

A neurotransmitter linked to mood regulation, sleep, and appetite.

Epinephrine (adrenaline)

A hormone and neurotransmitter that prepares the body for fight-or-flight responses.

Reuptake

The process by which neurotransmitters are reabsorbed into the presynaptic neuron after signaling.

Excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP)

A graded potential that makes a postsynaptic neuron more likely to fire an action potential.

Inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP)

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

Gray matter

Regions of the nervous system containing neuronal cell bodies, dendrites, and unmyelinated axons.

White matter

Regions of the nervous system primarily made up of myelinated axons.

Diverging circuit

A neural circuit in which a single presynaptic neuron synapses with multiple postsynaptic neurons.

Converging circuit

A neural circuit where multiple presynaptic neurons synapse onto a single postsynaptic neuron.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

A clear fluid that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord.

Meninges

Three protective membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord.

Choroid plexus

A network of capillaries and ependymal cells that produce cerebrospinal fluid.

Sodium and potassium ions

Ions that play key roles in generating action potentials in neurons.

Monoamines

A class of neurotransmitters including dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin.