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19 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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What are the two general functions of neurotransmitters?
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1. To mediate rapid communication between neurons through excitatory or inhibitory electrical events.
2. Neuromodulation, which a slower process. It includes signaling cascades that regulate: a) synaptic transmission, b) neuronal growth, and c) other functions. |
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What is the most common excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS)?
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Glutamate
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What is the most common inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS)?
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Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
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What is the main neurotransmitter at neuromuscular junctions in the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?
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Acetylcholine
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Which two neurotransmitters are the most important in the autonomic nervous system?
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1. Acetylcholine
2. Norepinephrine |
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What are cholinergic neurons?
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They are neurons that use acetylcholine.
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With respect to the central nervous system, cholinergic neurons are primarily responsible for:
a) neuromodulation b) neurotransmission |
a) neuromodulation
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Where is acetylcholine synthesized primarily?
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In the Nucleus Basalis of Meynert (see p. 594 of Blumenfeld)
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Where are neuromodulatory cholinergic neurons mainly found?
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1. Pontomesencephalic region of the brainstem (pedunculopontine tegmental nuclei and lateral tegmental nuclei)
2. Basal forebrain (nucleus basalis of Meynert, medial septal nuclei, and nucleus of the diagonal band) |
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Cholinergic inputs to the thalamus are generally arousing.
TRUE or FALSE |
TRUE
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Where do cholinergic neurons project to when they are originating from the nucleus basalis of Meynert?
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To almost the entire cerebral cortex.
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Where do cholinergic neurons project to when they arise from the medial septal nuclei and the nucleus of the diagonal band?
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To the hippocampal formation.
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What is the connection of cholinergic projections to the hippocampus and memory functioning?
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They are involved in generating a rhythmic oscillation, called the hippocampal theta rhythm, which has been postulated to play a role in memory functioning.
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What are the two main receptor types for acetylcholine in the central nervous system?
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1. Muscarinic
2. Nicotinic |
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What are the main functions of acetylcholine in the central nervous system?
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1. attention
2. memory 3. learning |
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If cholinergic transmission is blocked in the central nervous system, what type of deficits will you see?
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1. Delirium
2. Memory deficits |
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How is acetylcholine related to Alzheimer's?
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Degeneration of cholinergic neurons in the basal forebrain may be one of the mechanisms for memory decline in Alzheimer's.
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What is the relationship of myesthenia gravis and acetylcholine?
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Myesthenia gravis is caused by a reduction in the efficiency with which acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction bind with aceytlcholine.
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Why is eserine used in the treatment of myesthenia gravis or poisoning by curare?
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Because it blocks the metabolism or breakdown of of acetylcholine into its constituent parts, thereby increasing the amount of aceytlcholine in the synaptic space.
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