Action Potential
This phase of an action potential occurs when voltage-gated sodium (Na⁺) channels open, allowing Na⁺ to rush into the neuron.
What is depolarization?
This process strengthens synaptic connections by increasing AMPA receptor insertion and synaptic sensitivity.
What is long-term potentiation (LTP)?
This neurotransmitter is released by nociceptive neurons to amplify pain signals.
What is Substance P?
This type of aphasia results in difficulty producing speech but preserved comprehension.
What is Broca’s aphasia?
This neurotransmitter is released at the NMJ to trigger muscle contraction.
What is acetylcholine (ACh)?
During this phase, potassium (K⁺) exits the neuron, restoring the negative membrane potential.
What is repolarization?
LTP is dependent on the activation of these glutamate receptors.
What are NMDA receptors?
The part of the brain that processes sensory pain information.
What is the somatosensory cortex?
This type of aphasia impairs comprehension but allows fluent, nonsensical speech.
What is Wernicke’s aphasia?
This disorder results from autoantibodies attacking acetylcholine receptors, causing muscle weakness.
What is myasthenia gravis?
The period after an action potential when a neuron cannot fire again, no matter how strong the stimulus.
What is the absolute refractory period?
Long-term depression (LTD) reduces synaptic strength by removing these receptors from the postsynaptic membrane.
What are AMPA receptors?
This type of neurotransmitter, released in the analgesic pathway, acts like natural opioids.
What are endorphins?
Broca’s area is located in this lobe of the brain.
What is the frontal lobe?
This bacterial toxin blocks the release of ACh at the NMJ, causing flaccid paralysis.
What is botulinum toxin?
Myelination increases the speed of action potential propagation by allowing signals to "jump" between these structures.
What are the nodes of Ranvier?
If NMDA receptors were completely blocked, this learning-related process would be impaired.
What are both LTP and LTD?
The class of receptors that endogenous opioids bind to in order to inhibit pain.
What are opioid receptors?
Wernicke’s area is primarily responsible for this aspect of language.
What is comprehension?
This disorder involves autoantibodies targeting voltage-gated calcium channels at the NMJ, reducing ACh release.
What is Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome (LEMS)?
This principle states that an action potential either reaches threshold and fires fully or does not fire at all.
What is the all-or-none principle?
This process, driven by calcium signaling, strengthens synapses by promoting the growth of dendritic spines and increasing receptor density.
What is synaptic remodeling?
This opioid receptor subtype is responsible for pain relief and euphoria but also addiction.
What is the mu-opioid receptor (MOR)?
Damage to both Broca’s and Wernicke’s areas leads to this severe communication disorder.
What is global aphasia?
The enzyme responsible for breaking down acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft.
What is acetylcholinesterase?