Neural Communication: Synaptic and Extrasynaptic Transmission

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, neurotransmitters, receptors, and disorders from Chapter 6: Neural Communication: Synaptic and Extrasynaptic Transmission.

Excitatory Postsynaptic Potential (EPSP)

A local depolarization of the postsynaptic membrane that increases the likelihood of an action potential occurring in the postsynaptic neuron.

Inhibitory Postsynaptic Potential (IPSP)

A local hyperpolarization of the postsynaptic membrane that decreases the likelihood of an action potential occurring in the postsynaptic neuron.

Presynaptic Facilitation

A process where a presynaptic axon terminal releases more neurotransmitter onto a target neuron due to the action of a modulating neuron.

Presynaptic Inhibition

A process where a presynaptic axon terminal releases less neurotransmitter onto a target neuron due to the action of a modulating neuron.

Ligand-Gated Channels

Ion channels that open directly in response to the binding of a specific neurotransmitter, mediating fast neurotransmission.

G Protein-Coupled Receptors

Membrane receptors that initiate intracellular signal transduction cascades via G proteins, mediating slow neurotransmission.

Agonist

A drug or chemical agent that binds to a receptor and mimics or enhances the action of a naturally occurring neurotransmitter.

Antagonist

A drug or chemical agent that binds to a receptor and blocks or prevents the action of a naturally occurring neurotransmitter.

Acetylcholine (ACh)

A major neurotransmitter involved in fast and slow transmission, playing critical roles at the neuromuscular junction and in neuropathologies.

Norepinephrine (NE)

An amine neurotransmitter involved in synaptic communication, arousal, and targeted by various receptor agonists and antagonists.

Dopamine (DA)

An amine neurotransmitter involved in motor control, motivation, and cognitive function, affected in various neuropathologies.

Serotonin

An amine neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation, sleep, and synaptic/extrasynaptic signaling.

Y-aminobutyric acid (GABA)

The primary inhibitory amino acid neurotransmitter in the central nervous system.

Glutamate

The primary excitatory amino acid neurotransmitter in the central nervous system involved in fast transmission.

Glycine

An inhibitory amino acid neurotransmitter involved in synaptic transmission within the brainstem and spinal cord.

Histamine

An amine neurotransmitter involved in modulating arousal, sleep-wake cycles, and synaptic responses.

Substance P

A peptide neurotransmitter involved in pain perception and synaptic modulation.

Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide

A peptide transmitter involved in modulating neuronal communication and vascular function.

Nitric Oxide

A gas that acts as an unconventional neurotransmitter by diffusing across cell membranes to regulate synaptic function.

Endocannabinoids

Lipid-based retrograde messengers released from postsynaptic neurons to regulate presynaptic neurotransmitter release.

Cotransmission

The simultaneous release of multiple types of neurotransmitters from a single presynaptic terminal.

Botulinum Toxin

A neurotoxin that impairs synaptic transmission at the neuromuscular junction by blocking acetylcholine release.

Myasthenia Gravis

A disease affecting the neuromuscular junction where receptor function is impaired, leading to muscle weakness.

Channelopathies

Disorders of synaptic and neuronal function caused by dysfunction in ion channel subunits or their regulation.