Psychology 2C: Neurotransmitters and Neuromodulators.

What is "firing" in the context of neural transmission?

The process where a neural impulse reaches the terminals of a presynaptic neuron, causing neurotransmitter release into the synaptic gap.

What happens when neurotransmitters are released into the synaptic gap?

They bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, either increasing (excitatory) or decreasing (inhibitory) the likelihood of firing.

What is an excitatory neurotransmitter?

A neurotransmitter that increases the likelihood of the postsynaptic neuron firing.

What is the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain?

Glutamate.

What are the functions of glutamate?

Learning, memory, motor movement, thought processes, and the fight-or-flight response.

What are the effects of too much glutamate?

Anxiety, bipolar disorder, Parkinson's disease, seizures, and ADHD.

What are the effects of too little glutamate?

Impaired memory and learning difficulties.

What is an inhibitory neurotransmitter?

A neurotransmitter that decreases the likelihood of the postsynaptic neuron firing.

What is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain?

GABA

What are the functions of GABA?

Regulating anxiety, calming nervous activity, and fine-tuning neurotransmission.

What are the effects of too much GABA?

Sedation and impaired memory.

What are the effects of too little GABA?

Anxiety, bipolar disorder, Parkinson's disease, seizures, and ADHD.

What is a neuromodulator?

A chemical that affects multiple neurons, altering neural transmission across brain regions.

How does dopamine function as a neuromodulator?

It reinforces neural activity in brain regions related to movement, pleasure, motivation, and cognition.

What is the dopamine reward pathway?

A system that reinforces behavior by releasing dopamine in response to rewarding stimuli.

How is dopamine linked to addiction?

It strengthens the reward pathway, encouraging repetitive behaviors even if they are harmful.

What role does dopamine play in movement?

It helps coordinate voluntary motor movements.

What are the functions of serotonin?

Mood regulation, sleep, appetite, and emotional processing.

How does serotonin affect mood?

Low serotonin levels are linked to depression and anxiety.

How does serotonin influence impulsivity?

Low serotonin levels increase impulsive behavior, while high levels reduce it.

What is the main difference between neurotransmitters and neuromodulators?

Neurotransmitters send signals to individual neurons, while neuromodulators influence broader neural activity.