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Chapter 8 - Synaptic Transmission and Neural Integration
Chapter 8 - Synaptic Transmission and Neural Integration - Physiology - Rose State College
11
Physiology
Undergraduate 2
07/01/2011

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Term
What is a synapse?
Definition
A synapse is a junction that allows a neuron to pass an electrical or chemical signal to another cell (neural or otherwise).
Term
Where are neuron synapses found?
Definition
Neuron synapses are found
Term
How can neurotransmitters influence postsynaptic membrane potentials?
Definition
Term
What are two types of postsynaptic membrane potentials?
Definition
The two types of postsynaptic membrane potentials are:
Excitatory Postsynaptic Potential (EPSP)
and
Inhibitory Postsynaptic Potential (IPSP)
Term
Describe in detail the difference between EPSP and IPSP.
Definition
EPSPs are graded potentials that can initiate an AP in the axon, whereas IPSPs produce a graded potential that lessens the chance of an AP in an axon.

EPSP - small depolarization is created; IPSP - small hyperpolarization is created.

EPSP - helps bring postsynaptic membrane closer to threshold; IPSP - helps bring postsynaptic membrane further from threshold.

EPSP - membrane becomes more excited; IPSP - membrane becomes less excited
Term
What is a GPSP?
Definition
Grand postsynaptic potential - total potential in the postsynaptic neuron; all EPSP/IPSP taking place
Term
Describe the differences between temporal summation and spatial summation.
Definition
Temporal summation is transmission of rapid impulses and the summing of all EPSPs together, whereas spatial summation is a postsynaptic neuron being stimulated by many different axon terminals at the same time.

In spatial summation, IPSPs can also summate with EPSPs, canceling each other out.
Term
What are the two functional classes of neurotransmitters?
Definition
1. Excitatory - (e.g., glutamate) causes depolarization
2. Inhibitory (e.g., GABA and glycine) causes hyperpolarization
Term
Describe dopamine.
Definition
There are two major dopamine systems in the brain.
1. nigrostriatal dopamine system - involved in motor control; degeneration of this system causes Parkinson's disease

2. Mesolimbic dopamine system - involved in behavior and emotional reward; most addictions activate this system; over activity contributes to schizophrenia
Term
Describe norepinephrine.
Definition
- Used in peripheral NS and central NS
- In peripheral NS is a sympathetic neurotransmitter
- In central NS affects general level of arousal
- Amphetamines stimulate norepinephrine pathways
- Bind to adrenergic receptors
Term
Describe acetylcholine.
Definition
- Widely used neurotransmitter in the nervous system.
- Used in both central and peripheral NS
- Released by neurons on skeletal muscle
- Binds to cholinergic receptors
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