Neurobiology Exam Review

Practice flashcards covering key concepts from the Neurobiology lecture notes.

What is a drug?

An exogenous chemical that significantly alters the functions of certain cells when taken at low doses.

Psychoactive drugs

Drugs that affect thinking, mood, or behavior and produce effects in the brain.

Instrumental Use

The use of a drug for a specific purpose, such as taking Valium to relieve anxiety.

Recreational Use

The use of a drug for enjoyment, such as having a drink to relax.

The Four 'F's

Feeding, Fighting, Fleeing, Reproductive Behavior—key functions of the nervous system.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Consists of the brain and spinal cord, encased by the skull and vertebral bones.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Includes neurons and nerve processes outside the CNS.

Cranial Nerves

Twelve pairs of nerves that emerge directly from the brain, responsible for sensory and motor functions.

Convolutions

Folds in the brain that allow for denser connections and specialization of regions.

Resting Membrane Potential

The voltage difference across a neuronal membrane when the neuron is not firing, typically around -70mV.

Action Potential

A rapid rise and fall in the electrical membrane potential of a cell, results in the transmission of signals in neurons.

Ionotropic Receptors

Receptors that are associated with ligand-activated ion channels and cause rapid postsynaptic potentials.

Metabotropic Receptors

Receptors that are coupled to G proteins and have slower effects on the postsynaptic neuron.

Graded Potentials

Changes in membrane potential that vary in size, occurring in the dendrites and soma of neurons.

Reuptake

The process by which neurotransmitters are removed from the synaptic cleft by being taken back into the presynaptic neuron.

Autoreceptors

Receptors located on the presynaptic neuron that monitor neurotransmitter levels and help regulate their release.