Biological Psychology Nervous System Central Nervous System Brain Brain Imaging Peripheral Nervous System Building Blocks Genetics Evolutionary Endocrine System Neurotransmitters Somatic Autonomic Sympathetic Parasympathetic Biological Psychology Spinal Cord Neurons Sensory Motor We are here

Neurotransmitters! AP Psychology

Neurotransmitters fit like chemical keys in chemical locks.

2 Categories of Neurotransmitters: Excitatory and Inhibitory The key fits and ‘opens’ the receiving neuron. Activation of the receptor causes depolarization of the membrane and promotes an action potential in the receiving neuron. Inhibitory The key fits in but stops any other keys. Activation of the receptor causes hyperpolarization and depresses action potential generation.

The Major Neurotransmitters in the Body Acetylcholine: Excitatory Its function is motor movement (causes muscles to contract) and memory When blocked at receptor sites: paralysis (hemlock, bolutin, black widow venom) Too little: Alzheimers

The Major Neurotransmitters in the Body Dopamine: Inhibitory Motor movement, alertness, & PLEASURE Lack of Dopamine= Parkinson’s disease Too much dopamine= Schizophrenia

The Major Neurotransmitters in the Brain GABA: Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid Hunger and sleep The most common inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain Too little: Huntington’s disease, anxiety, epilepsy, insomnia Too much: sleepy (alcohol)

The Major Neurotransmitters in the Brain Glutamate: The most common excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain Important for memory Too much== ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease), migraines, seizures

The Major Neurotransmitters in the Body Seratonin: Inhibitory in pain pathways Involved in sleep, mood, appetite, and sensory perception Too little== Depression, Too much== anxiety, limits dreaming, anorexia

The Major Neurotransmitters in the Body Endorphins Short for "endogenous (produced within) morphine."  Structurally very similar to the opioids (opium, morphine, heroin, etc.) (Same thing that helps bears hibernate!) Deals with pain control We’ve become addicted to endorphin-caused feelings

Neurotransmission and Drugs Drugs can affect synapses at a variety of sites and in a variety of ways, including: Drugs mimic NT Increasing the number of synapses Release of NT from neurons with or without synapses Produce more/less NT than what is normal Prevent vesicles from releasing NT Block intake of NT or block release of NT

Agonists aGOnist

Antagonists anTAGonist