Neuron Structure and Neurotransmitters

These flashcards cover the structure of neurons, the process of signal transmission, various neurotransmitters and their related disorders, and the concept of neuroplasticity.

Dendrites

Structures that collect chemical information from nearby structures, like neurons or other cells, and send it to the cell body.

Axon

A part of the neuron that passes messages away from the cell body to other neurons, muscles, or glands.

Myelin sheath

A fatty coating or blobs of fat over the axon that keep the signal contained and speed up the transmission of the signal.

Synapse

The tiny gap between the axon and an adjacent structure where chemicals are released and picked up.

Sodium and Potassium Ions

Atoms ($Na$ and $K$) that flow in or out of axon channels through the cell membrane to allow messages to travel down the axon.

Resting potential

The stable, negative charge of an inactive neuron.

Action potential

The positive electrical charge sent when a neuron is firing.

All-or-nothing principle

The concept that once an electrical impulse reaches a threshold, the impulse will fire regardless of signal strength.

Acetylcholine

A neurotransmitter responsible for muscle movement, memories, and orientation in space.

Alzheimer's disease

A disorder involving memory loss associated with low levels of acetylcholine.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter involved in motor movement; low levels are linked to Parkinson's disease and high levels are linked to schizophrenia.

Parkinson's disease

A disorder where cells that make and use dopamine die, leading to difficulties in initiating motor movements.

L-dopa

A medication used to increase the levels of dopamine in the brain for patients with motor movement difficulties.

Antipsychotics

Medications that lower the amount of dopamine to reduce hallucinations related to schizophrenia.

Serotonin

A neurotransmitter associated with mood, sleep, appetite, and concentration; low levels are linked to depression.

Prozac and Zoloft

Medications that increase the amount of serotonin to improve mood and maintain neuroplasticity.

GABA

A neurotransmitter that helps the body relax; low levels are associated with anxiety.

Valium and Xanax

Pills that help increase GABA or act like GABA to assist with relaxation and anxiety.

Norepinephrine

A neurotransmitter where low levels result in depression and high levels trigger manic behavior.

Glutamate

An excitatory neurotransmitter involved in learning and memory; high levels can overstimulate the brain and trigger migraines or seizures.

Oxytocin

A neurotransmitter that helps women with birth and is associated with feelings of love.

Endorphins

The body's natural pain relievers that help a person feel better when injured; low levels are linked to depression.

Opiates

Highly addicting painkillers such as heroin, morphine, and oxycontin that provide a sense of euphoria.

Narcan

A substance that blocks opiates and is used to help during an overdose.

Epinephrine

Also known as adrenaline, it drives the fight or flight or panic response by sending blood flow to the muscles.

Beta-blockers

Prescribed medications used to slow down a heart-pounding response and calm the body.

Neuroplasticity

The ability of the brain to reorganize itself by creating new synapses and connections or strengthening/discarding pathways.