neurotransmitters behaviour
Overview
This lesson explores the crucial role of neurotransmitters in mediating communication within the nervous system and their profound impact on various aspects of human behaviour. We will examine how imbalances or dysfunctions in these chemical messengers can lead to psychological disorders and how pharmacological interventions often target neurotransmitter systems.
Introduction to Neurotransmitters and Synaptic Transmission
Neurotransmitters are endogenous chemicals that enable communication between neurons across the synaptic cleft. When an action potential reaches the axon terminal of the presynaptic neuron, it triggers the release of neurotransmitters into the synapse. These chemical messengers then diffuse across t...
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Key Concepts
- Neurotransmitter: A chemical messenger that transmits signals across a chemical synapse from one neuron to another 'target' neuron, muscle cell, or gland cell.
- Synapse: The junction between two nerve cells, consisting of a minute gap across which impulses pass by diffusion of a neurotransmitter.
- Receptor: A protein molecule, typically found on the surface of a cell, that receives chemical signals from outside the cell.
- Agonist: A chemical that binds to a receptor and activates it to produce a biological response, mimicking the action of a natural neurotransmitter.
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Exam Tips
- →For 'describe' or 'explain' questions, always define the neurotransmitter, state its primary function, and mention at least one associated behaviour or disorder.
- →When discussing specific disorders, link them directly to specific neurotransmitter imbalances (e.g., 'Low serotonin levels are implicated in depression').
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