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19 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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synaptic vesicle |
Membranous sac containing neurotransmitter molecules at the tip of the presynaptic axon. |
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synaptic cleft |
A narrow gap separating the synaptic knob of a transmitting neuron from a receiving neuron or an effector cell. |
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excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) |
An electrical charge (depolarization) in the membrane of a postsynaptic neuron caused by the binding of an excitatory neurotransmitter from a presynaptic cell to a postsynaptic receptor; makes it more likely for a postsynaptic neuron to generate an action potential. |
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inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs) |
An electrical charge (hyperpolarization) in the membrane of a postsynaptic neuron caused by the binding of an inhibitory neurotransmitter from a presynaptic cell to a postsynaptic receptor; makes it more difficult for a postsynaptic neuron to generate an action potential. |
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temporal summation |
A phenomenon of neural integration in which the membrane potential of the postsynaptic cell in a chemical synapse is determined by the combined effect of EPSPs or IPSPs produced in rapid succession. |
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spatial summation |
A phenomenon of neural integration in which the membrane potential of the postsynaptic cell is determined by the combined effect of EPSPs or IPSPs produced nearly simultaneously by different synapses. |
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acetylcholine |
One of the most common neurotransmitters; functions by binding to receptors and altering the permeability of the postsynaptic membrane to specific ions, either depolarizing or hyperpolarizing the membrane. |
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biogenic amine |
A neurotransmitter derived from an amino acid. |
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epinephrine |
A catecholamine hormone secreted from the adrenal medulla that mediates "fight-or-flight" responses to short-term stress; also functions as neurotransmitter. |
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norepinephrine |
A hormone that is chemically and functionally similar to epinephrine. |
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dopamine |
A biogenic amine closely related to epinephrine and norepinephrine . |
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serotonin |
A biogenic amine synthesized from the amino acid tryptophan. |
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gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) |
An amino acid that functions as a CNS neurotransmitter. |
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glycine |
An amino acid that functions as a CNS neurotransmitter. |
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glutamate |
An amino acid that functions as a CNS neurotransmitter. |
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aspartate |
An amino acid that functions as a CNS neurotransmitter. |
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neuropeptide |
A relatively short chain of amino acids that serves as a neurotransmitter. |
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substance P |
A neuropeptide that is a key excitatory signal that mediates our perception of pain. |
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endorphin |
Any of several hormones produced in the brain and anterior pituitary that inhibits pain perception. |
