Synapses and Signaling
What ion enters the presynaptic neuron to trigger neurotransmitter release?
Calcium (Ca²⁺)
Which neurotransmitter is essential for muscle contraction?
Acetylcholine (ACh)
This is a reduced effect of a drug after repeated use.
Tolerance
What term describes a substance that enhances neurotransmitter action?
Agonist
The key difference between neurotransmitters and hormones is where they are released. Neurotransmitters are released in the nervous system at the synapse while hormones are released here.
In the blood or endocrine system
Name one way neurotransmitters are cleared from the synapse.
Reuptake, enzymatic degradation, or diffusion
Which neurotransmitter is the brain’s main inhibitory neurotransmitter and is the primary target of alcohol?
GABA
Dopamine is associated with feelings of pleasure/reward or wanting when released in this area of the brain.
nucleus accumbens
Black widow spider venom acts on which neurotransmitter system?
Acetylcholine
When binding to a receptor, neurotransmitters can have two primary types of effects, excitatory and inhibitory. This effect INCREASES the likelihood that the next neuron will fire.
Excitatory
Which type of receptor produces a fast response: ionotropic or metabotropic?
Ionotropic
Which neurotransmitter is the most common excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain?
Glutamate
What class of neurotransmitters like endorphins?
Neuropeptides
Nicotine is an agonist for which neurotransmitter?
Acetylcholine (nicotinic receptors)
Name 3 ways a drug can be administered.
Injection, oral, sublingual, intrarectal, inhalation, topical, brain administration.
What term describes molecules that bind to receptors?
Ligands
Concentrated in the raphe nuclei and sometimes called the happy chemical, this neurotransmitter is involved in regulating mood, appetite, and sleep.
Serotonin
What disease is caused by the breakdown of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra?
Parkinson’s disease
PCP acts as an antagonist of which neurotransmitter receptor?
Glutamate (NMDA receptor)
What term describes how strongly a drug binds to a receptor?
Affinity
What is the process by which synaptic vesicles fuse with the membrane and release neurotransmitters?
Exocytosis
This neurotransmitter is involved in the modulation of many behavioral and physiological processes including the fight or flight response.
Norepinephrine
What novel treatment approach is being researched to fight drug addiction, involving the immune system?
Vaccines or immunotherapy
What type of drug interaction blocks reuptake of neurotransmitters like serotonin?
Reuptake inhibition (e.g., SSRIs)
What happens if neurotransmitter activity in the synapse is not terminated?
The signal remains active, leading to overstimulation of the postsynaptic neuron.
Drugs can impact the action of a neurotransmitter is many ways at the synapse. Name two of these possible interactions.
Synthesis, Storage, Release, Action on Receptors, Reuptake, Breakdown