Neurotransmitters, Development, & Homeostatic Imbalances

Flashcards covering key concepts and definitions related to neurotransmitters, their classifications, functions, and homeostatic imbalances.

Neurotransmitters

Small organic molecules that release when a nerve signal reaches the axon terminal; the language of the nervous system.

Acetylcholine (ACh)

The first identified and best understood neurotransmitter, released at neuromuscular junctions, by some ANS and CNS neurons with both excitatory and inhibitory effects depending on the receptor.

Catecholamines

A class of biogenic amines including dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine, synthesized from the amino acid tyrosine and having various excitatory and inhibitory effects.

Indolamines

A class of biogenic amines including serotonin and histamine, which play roles in mood and sleep regulation.

Peptides

Neurotransmitters such as endorphins that act as natural opiates to reduce pain perception.

Homeostatic Imbalance - Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

An autoimmune disease affecting primarily young adults, characterized by the destruction of myelin sheaths in the CNS, leading to impaired impulse conduction.

Direct action of neurotransmitters

When a neurotransmitter binds to and opens ion channels, promoting rapid responses by altering the membrane potential.

Indirect action of neurotransmitters

When a neurotransmitter acts through intracellular second messengers, usually resulting in broader, longer-lasting effects similar to hormones.

Nervous System Development

The origin of the nervous system from the neural tube, which becomes central nervous system (CNS).

Impaired Action Potential propagation

Can be caused by chemical and physical factors, such as local anesthetics blocking voltage-gated Na+ channels.