Chemical Synapses and Neurotransmitter Functions

Chemical Synapse

Neuronal junction stimulating neurotransmitter release.

Action Potential

Electrical signal triggering neurotransmitter release.

Voltage-Gated Calcium Channels

Channels opening in response to depolarization.

Calcium Influx

Calcium entering cell, initiating neurotransmitter release.

Exocytosis

Process of vesicles releasing neurotransmitters into cleft.

Synaptic Cleft

Space between presynaptic and postsynaptic cells.

Presynaptic Neuron

Neuron releasing neurotransmitters into the synapse.

Postsynaptic Cell

Cell receiving neurotransmitters from presynaptic neuron.

Neuroneuronal Synapse

Synapse connecting one neuron to another.

Neuromuscular Synapse

Synapse between neuron and muscle cell.

Neuroglandular Synapse

Synapse between neuron and gland cell.

Excitatory Post-Synaptic Potential (EPSP)

Depolarization of postsynaptic cell from neurotransmitter binding.

Inhibitory Post-Synaptic Potential (IPSP)

Hyperpolarization of postsynaptic cell from neurotransmitter binding.

Neurotransmitter Removal

Process of clearing neurotransmitters from synaptic cleft.

Neurotransmitter Imbalance

Altered neurotransmitter levels affecting synaptic function.

Acetylcholine (Ach)

Excitatory neurotransmitter involved in muscle and cognition.

Norepinephrine (NE)

Excitatory neurotransmitter linked to alertness and mood.

Synaptic Vesicles

Containers for neurotransmitters in the axon terminal.

Calcium Pump

Active transport removing calcium from axon terminal.

Neurotransmitter Receptors

Proteins on postsynaptic cell binding neurotransmitters.

Neurodegenerative Diseases

Conditions linked to neurotransmitter imbalances, e.g., Alzheimer's.

Mental Health Disorders

Conditions influenced by synaptic neurotransmitter imbalances.

Sympathetic Division

Part of autonomic nervous system using norepinephrine.

Norepinephrine (NE)

Neurotransmitter stimulating sympathetic effectors in PNS.

Dopamine

CNS neurotransmitter linked to reward and movement.

Serotonin

Inhibitory neurotransmitter regulating mood and sleep.

Endorphins

Natural opiates inhibiting pain and regulating pleasure.

GABA

Powerful inhibitory neurotransmitter affecting mood and emotions.

Alzheimer's Disease

Condition caused by decreased acetylcholine affecting memory.

Parkinson's Disease

Condition from dopamine decrease causing tremors and speech issues.

Anxiety

Condition linked to low serotonin and GABA levels.

ADHD

Condition characterized by low dopamine and norepinephrine.

Depression

Condition caused by low serotonin and norepinephrine levels.

Psychoactive Drugs

Substances altering nervous system function.

Agonists

Drugs enhancing neurotransmitter effects through various mechanisms.

Antagonists

Drugs inhibiting neurotransmitter effects by blocking receptors.

Nicotine

Agonist of acetylcholine mimicking its effects.

Alcohol

Agonist of GABA, dopamine, and serotonin.

Opioids

Agonists mimicking endorphins' effects.

Caffeine

Antagonist blocking adenosine receptors affecting neurotransmitters.

THC

Agonist activating cannabinoid receptors and dopamine release.

Cocaine

Agonist blocking reuptake of dopamine and serotonin.

SSRIs

Antidepressants blocking serotonin reuptake to enhance mood.

Endocrine System

System releasing hormones to stimulate target cells.

Endocrine System

Regulates body functions via hormones in blood.

Hormone

Chemical messenger affecting target cells with receptors.

Target Cells

Cells with specific receptors for hormones.

Metabolic Pathway

Series of chemical reactions in cells.

Nervous System Comparison

Endocrine effects are slower but longer-lasting.

Endocrine Glands

Organs producing hormones, e.g., pituitary, thyroid.

Hypothalamus

Regulates pituitary gland hormone production.

Oxytocin (OT)

Stimulates milk release and uterine contractions.

Positive Feedback Mechanism

Output enhances the process, e.g., oxytocin during childbirth.

Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)

Promotes water reabsorption in kidneys.

Growth Hormone (GH)

Stimulates growth in bones and muscles.

Prolactin (PRL)

Stimulates milk production in mammary glands.

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

Matures ovarian follicles and stimulates sperm production.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

Triggers ovulation and testosterone production.

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

Stimulates thyroid gland hormone production.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)

Stimulates adrenal cortex hormone production.

Melatonin

Regulates sleep-wake cycles in neurons.

Calcitonin (CAL)

Lowers blood calcium levels.

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)

Increases blood calcium levels.

Negative Feedback Mechanism

Process where output inhibits the initial stimulus.

Adrenal Glands

Produce hormones for metabolism and stress response.

Humoral Stimulation

Hormone release triggered by blood ion levels.

Pancreas

Organ producing insulin and glucagon for blood sugar regulation.

Insulin

Hormone increasing glucose uptake by body cells.

Diabetes mellitus

Condition with impaired glucose movement into cells.

Type 1 Diabetes

Autoimmune disorder preventing insulin production.

Type 2 Diabetes

Condition where body cells resist insulin effects.

Glucagon

Hormone stimulating liver to release glucose into blood.

Gonads

Reproductive organs producing gametes and hormones.

Testes

Male organs producing sperm and testosterone.

Spermatogenesis

Process of sperm production in the testes.

Scrotum

Sac maintaining optimal temperature for sperm production.

Epididymis

Tube for sperm maturation and storage.

Ductus deferens

Tube transporting sperm to the ejaculatory duct.

Ejaculatory duct

Pathway connecting vas deferens and urethra.

Urethra

Tube for urine and semen expulsion.

Seminal vesicles

Glands producing nutrients for sperm motility.

Prostate gland

Gland secreting fluid to enhance sperm mobility.

Bulbourethral glands

Glands secreting pre-ejaculatory fluid for lubrication.

Penis

Organ for sperm delivery during copulation.

Ovaries

Female organs producing eggs and hormones.

Oviduct

Pathway for eggs and site of fertilization.

Uterus

Organ maintaining fetus during development.

Endometrium

Uterine lining that thickens for potential pregnancy.

Cervix

Uterine part connecting to the vagina.

Vagina

Muscular tube receiving penis and sperm.

Clitoris

Small erectile structure for sexual arousal.

Breasts

Mammary glands producing milk in females.