Excitatory neurotransmission

Definition

Excitatory neurotransmission is the process by which nerve impulses are transmitted between neurons, resulting in the depolarization of the postsynaptic membrane and an increased likelihood of action potential firing. This process is crucial for communication within the nervous system, influencing various functions such as muscle contraction, learning, and memory. Key excitatory neurotransmitters, like glutamate, play a vital role in this transmission and are involved in various developmental processes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Excitatory neurotransmission primarily involves glutamate, which binds to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, leading to depolarization.
2. This process is essential for various developmental functions in the nervous system, including neurogenesis and synaptogenesis.
3. Imbalances in excitatory neurotransmission can lead to developmental disorders such as autism and schizophrenia.
4. During early development, excitatory neurotransmission helps shape neural circuits that are crucial for sensory processing and motor control.
5. In addition to glutamate, other molecules like acetylcholine can also act as excitatory neurotransmitters in specific contexts.

Review Questions

• How does excitatory neurotransmission contribute to the development of neural circuits during early brain development?
  • Excitatory neurotransmission plays a crucial role in shaping neural circuits during early brain development by facilitating communication between neurons. The process of depolarization leads to increased neuronal activity, which is essential for establishing connections between neurons. This heightened activity encourages the formation of synapses and strengthens existing connections, ultimately influencing the architecture of neural networks that support sensory processing and motor control.
• Discuss the implications of altered excitatory neurotransmission in relation to developmental disorders.
  • Altered excitatory neurotransmission can have significant implications for developmental disorders. For instance, excessive excitatory signaling has been linked to conditions such as autism spectrum disorder and epilepsy. These disruptions can lead to imbalances in neural circuitry, affecting cognitive functions and behaviors. Understanding how excitatory neurotransmission contributes to these disorders can provide insights into potential therapeutic approaches aimed at restoring normal signaling pathways.
• Evaluate the role of excitatory neurotransmitters like glutamate in both normal brain function and their involvement in neurodevelopmental disorders.
  • Excitatory neurotransmitters like glutamate are critical for normal brain function, facilitating communication between neurons and promoting synaptic plasticity. However, when glutamate signaling becomes dysregulated, it can contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders such as schizophrenia or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Evaluating this dual role emphasizes the importance of maintaining proper excitatory neurotransmission levels to ensure healthy brain development while highlighting potential targets for intervention in cases where this balance is disrupted.

Related terms

Glutamate: Glutamate is the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain, crucial for synaptic plasticity and cognitive functions.

Synapse: A synapse is the junction between two neurons where neurotransmission occurs, allowing for communication and signal transfer.

Action Potential: An action potential is a rapid electrical signal that travels along the axon of a neuron, triggered by the depolarization of the postsynaptic membrane.