Neurotransmitters and Clinical Conditions

Vocabulary flashcards covering the primary functions and clinical associations of major neurotransmitters based on lecture pages 11 and 12.

Acetylcholine (ACh)

A neurotransmitter that controls voluntary muscle contractions and is heavily involved in memory formation in the hippocampus.

Alzheimer's disease

A clinical condition resulting from deficiencies in Acetylcholine (ACh).

Curare and botulism

Specific poisons that block Acetylcholine (ACh), leading to total paralysis and suffocation.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter that regulates voluntary movement, learning, memory, and the perception of pleasure.

Parkinson's disease

A condition characterized by muscle tremors caused by deficiencies in Dopamine.

Schizophrenia

A psychological disorder linked to the overutilization or excess receptor sensitivity of Dopamine.

Norepinephrine

A chemical that acts as both a neurotransmitter and adrenal hormone; it speeds up heart rate, general arousal, learning, and eating.

Serotonin

A neurotransmitter that regulates emotional arousal, sleep patterns, and appetite; deficiencies are linked to clinical depression, anxiety, and chronic insomnia.

GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid)

The primary inhibitory neurotransmitter that dampens neural excitability to calm anxiety states.

Endorphins

Natural endogenous morphines that act as specialized inhibitory signals to lock out incoming pain messages and are connected to the 'runner's high.'