🥸intro to psychology review

key term - Neurotransmitters

Definition

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that facilitate communication between neurons in the nervous system. They are released from the presynaptic neuron and bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, triggering a response that can either excite or inhibit the target cell. Neurotransmitters play a crucial role in various psychological processes and behaviors, including cognition, emotion, and motor function.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Neurotransmitters can be classified as either excitatory, which increase the likelihood of the target neuron firing an action potential, or inhibitory, which decrease the likelihood of the target neuron firing.
  2. The release and availability of neurotransmitters are regulated by various factors, including neural activity, enzyme activity, and the presence of transporters and receptors.
  3. Imbalances or dysfunctions in neurotransmitter systems have been linked to various neurological and psychological disorders, such as depression, anxiety, Parkinson's disease, and schizophrenia.
  4. Certain drugs, both therapeutic and recreational, work by altering the production, release, or reuptake of specific neurotransmitters, thereby affecting their availability and influence on neural function.
  5. Neurotransmitters play a crucial role in the regulation of physiological processes, such as sleep, appetite, and the stress response, through their interactions with the endocrine system.

Review Questions

  • Explain the role of neurotransmitters in the communication between neurons within the nervous system.
    • Neurotransmitters are essential for the transmission of signals between neurons. They are released from the presynaptic neuron, travel across the synaptic cleft, and bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron. This binding can either excite or inhibit the target cell, depending on the type of neurotransmitter and the specific receptors present. The release and availability of neurotransmitters are tightly regulated to ensure proper neural communication and functioning.
  • Describe how imbalances or dysfunctions in neurotransmitter systems can contribute to the development of neurological and psychological disorders.
    • Imbalances or dysfunctions in neurotransmitter systems have been linked to various neurological and psychological disorders. For example, a deficiency in the neurotransmitter serotonin has been associated with depression, while an excess of the neurotransmitter dopamine has been linked to conditions like schizophrenia. Parkinson's disease is characterized by a decline in the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is crucial for the regulation of motor function. Understanding the role of neurotransmitters in these disorders has led to the development of targeted pharmacological interventions that aim to restore the balance of neurotransmitters and alleviate the symptoms of these conditions.
  • Analyze the interactions between neurotransmitters and the endocrine system, and explain how these interactions contribute to the regulation of physiological processes.
    • Neurotransmitters and the endocrine system work in tandem to regulate various physiological processes. Neurotransmitters can influence the release of hormones from the endocrine system, and hormones can, in turn, affect the production, release, and reuptake of neurotransmitters. For example, the neurotransmitter serotonin is involved in the regulation of sleep, appetite, and the stress response, which are all influenced by the endocrine system. Similarly, the neurotransmitter dopamine plays a role in the regulation of movement and reward-related behaviors, which are also modulated by hormones. Understanding the complex interactions between neurotransmitters and the endocrine system is crucial for understanding the underlying mechanisms of various physiological and psychological processes.