Biological Psychology Terms; Exam 1

Question	Answer
Primary Neurotransmitters; 2 Types	Glutamate and GABA
Glutamate	Excitatory Transmitter INCREASES membrane potential of post-synaptic cell Amino Acid Activates NMDA and AMPA receptors
AMPA	AMPA Receptor controls Na+ gate -> EPSP
NMDA	NMDA Receptor controls Na+ and Ca2 gates Receptor blocked by Mg+ ion
Ca2	Is involved in changes to AMPA receptors, producing Long Term Potential (LTP)
GABA	Inhibitory Transmitter DECREASES membrane potential of post-synaptic cells PREVENTS excessive excitation GABA A controls Cl- GABA B controls K+ channels
Neurotransmitter	Diffuses across the synaptic cleft to affect one post-synaptic neuron (or muscle cell)
Neuromodulator	Affects groups of neurons ( or effector cells) that have the appropriate receptors. May not be released at synaptic sites. Can produce long lasting effects.
Neurohormone	Released by neurons into the haemolymph, therefore may affect very distant targets. It may differ only in degree from a neuromodulator in the extent of it's action.
Receptor Types; 2	Ionotropic Receptors and Metabotropic Receptors
Ionotropic Receptors	Directly control an ion channel Fast information transmission
Metabotropic Receptors	Indirectly control an ion channel Slower- long lasting modulatory effects.
Acetylcholine (Ach)	Cholinergic receptors located throughout brain, spinal cord and neurotransmitter junctions. Cell bodies located in limbic system. Ach released along axon and acts diffusively on receptor on the soma and dendrites.
Dopamine	Dopaminergic projections from SN, VTA. Modulate activity in limbic & cortical areas. SN modulates input areas of basal ganglia. Degeneration causes Parkinson's Disease. Effect can be inhibitory, excitatory or modulatory depending on receptor.
Norepinephrine (Noradrenaline)	LC sends Noradrinergic projections throughout brain. Involved in vigilance and alertness. Increased firing before & during focused attention. Arousal effect on rest of the brain. Noradrinergic systems reduce distraction.
Serotonin (H5T)	Inhibits transmission of pain signals from nociceptors. Modulates moto-neuron excitability. Involved in satiety. Involved in antidepressant Prozac. Lesions induce aggression & increased motor activity.
Prozac	Antidepressant. Serotonin re-uptake inhibitor.
Blood Brain Barrier	Aids the regulation of the brain's chemical environment. Molecules, such as drugs, must be transported across this barrier.
Therapeutic Window	The range of drug doses which can treat a disease effectively without toxic effects.
Drug Action	Drugs typically affect processes in the synapses.
Agonist	FACILITATE post-synaptic effects
Antagonist	INHIBIT post-synaptic effects
Cocaine	Ach AGONIST. Blocks re-uptake of dopamine and norepinephrine.
Benzodiazepines (e.g. Valium)	GABA AGONIST Binds to one site on the GABA receptor. Aids binding of GABA molecules -> Post-synaptic hyperpolarization and subsequent inhibitory effects.
Alcohol	GABA AGONIST NMDA ANTAGONIST Increases dopamine release (reward) Interferes with LTP (memory & cognition)
Positive Reinforcement	Appetitive stimulus (e.g. heroin rush) in association with a behaviour
Negative Reinforcement	Removal of an adversive stimulus (e.g. anxiety) in association with a behaviour.
Reinforcement	Linked to the release of dopamine in the NA.
Tolerance	Increased sensitivity to the drug, following chronic use.
Sensitivity	Increased drug effect following prolonged use. Long-time users show hypo-frontality. Damage to this area disrupts decision making.
Heroin	Stimulates opiate receptors and produces analgesia, sedation and reinforcement.
Heroin withdrawal	Blocking heroin in the LC leads to over activation of the serotonergic system which was repressed by the heroin.
Cocaine	Blocks re-uptake of dopamine

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Biological Psychology Terms; Exam 1

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	Created by Alex Aspel almost 7 years ago