Neurotransmitters - MCAT Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
Card 1 of 88
Sarin gas is a potent nerve agent that quickly causes serious physiological effects if ingested, even in very small quantities. It inhibits acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme that degrades acetylcholine. Acetylcholinesterase generally acts at the neuromuscular junction.
Sarin gas may cause which of the following?
Sarin gas is a potent nerve agent that quickly causes serious physiological effects if ingested, even in very small quantities. It inhibits acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme that degrades acetylcholine. Acetylcholinesterase generally acts at the neuromuscular junction.
Sarin gas may cause which of the following?
Tap to reveal answer
Acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter that acts at neuromuscular junctions. Acetylcholinesterase degrades acetylcholine at the synaptic cleft, allowing the muscle to relax. If acetylcholinesterase is inhibited, acetylcholine will remain in the synaptic cleft and continuously stimulate the muscle. Breathing requires the ability to contract and relax respiratory muscles. Without rapid administration of an antidote, sarin gas usually results in death from asphyxiation. Acetylcholine causes pupil constriction and gastrointestinal motility. It is not associated with a rapid increase in leukocyte production.
Acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter that acts at neuromuscular junctions. Acetylcholinesterase degrades acetylcholine at the synaptic cleft, allowing the muscle to relax. If acetylcholinesterase is inhibited, acetylcholine will remain in the synaptic cleft and continuously stimulate the muscle. Breathing requires the ability to contract and relax respiratory muscles. Without rapid administration of an antidote, sarin gas usually results in death from asphyxiation. Acetylcholine causes pupil constriction and gastrointestinal motility. It is not associated with a rapid increase in leukocyte production.
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Which of the following neurons would have vesicles of norepinephrine in its axon terminal?
Which of the following neurons would have vesicles of norepinephrine in its axon terminal?
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Norepinephrine (also called noradrenaline), is associated with the sympathetic nervous system. Acetylcholine is the most commonly used neurotransmitter in the autonomic nervous system, however norepinephrine is the neurotransmitter released from sympathetic postganglionic neurons to elicit sympathetic responses from target tissues.
The parasympathetic nervous system uses only acetylcholine.
Norepinephrine (also called noradrenaline), is associated with the sympathetic nervous system. Acetylcholine is the most commonly used neurotransmitter in the autonomic nervous system, however norepinephrine is the neurotransmitter released from sympathetic postganglionic neurons to elicit sympathetic responses from target tissues.
The parasympathetic nervous system uses only acetylcholine.
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Which of the following are potential fates of neurotransmitters that have been released into the synaptic cleft?
I. Reuptake
II. Degradation
III. Passive diffusion away from synaptic cleft
IV. Bind receptors
Which of the following are potential fates of neurotransmitters that have been released into the synaptic cleft?
I. Reuptake
II. Degradation
III. Passive diffusion away from synaptic cleft
IV. Bind receptors
Tap to reveal answer
Every choice listed is a potential fate of neurotransmitters that have been released into the synaptic cleft. They can passively diffuse away from the synaptic cleft due to normal chemical principles. Neurotransmitters can also bind their target receptors and stimulate the post-synaptic neuron. There may also be special enzymes that inactivate or degrade neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft, as acetylcholinesterase does with acetylcholine. It is also possible for reuptake to occur (the neurotransmitters to be taken back into the pre-synaptic neuron).
Every choice listed is a potential fate of neurotransmitters that have been released into the synaptic cleft. They can passively diffuse away from the synaptic cleft due to normal chemical principles. Neurotransmitters can also bind their target receptors and stimulate the post-synaptic neuron. There may also be special enzymes that inactivate or degrade neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft, as acetylcholinesterase does with acetylcholine. It is also possible for reuptake to occur (the neurotransmitters to be taken back into the pre-synaptic neuron).
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What neurotransmitter is released by the postganglionic neurons of the sympathetic nervous system?
What neurotransmitter is released by the postganglionic neurons of the sympathetic nervous system?
Tap to reveal answer
Norepinephrine is an excitatory neurotransmitter that readies the body for the "fight-or-flight" response. The sympathetic nervous system releases epinephrine and norepinephrine from postanglionic neurons to stimulate this response from targeted organs.
Acetylcholine is released from preganglionic sympathetic neurons. It is also released from both preganglionic and postganglionic neurons of the parasympathetic nervous system. It is also the primary neurotransmitter involved in neuromuscular junctions.
Serotonin affects mood and social behavior, while dopamine is involved in mood and focus. GABA, unlike acetylcholine and norepinephrine, is an inhibitory neurotransmitter.
Norepinephrine is an excitatory neurotransmitter that readies the body for the "fight-or-flight" response. The sympathetic nervous system releases epinephrine and norepinephrine from postanglionic neurons to stimulate this response from targeted organs.
Acetylcholine is released from preganglionic sympathetic neurons. It is also released from both preganglionic and postganglionic neurons of the parasympathetic nervous system. It is also the primary neurotransmitter involved in neuromuscular junctions.
Serotonin affects mood and social behavior, while dopamine is involved in mood and focus. GABA, unlike acetylcholine and norepinephrine, is an inhibitory neurotransmitter.
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Which of the following best discriminates between small-molecule neurotransmitters and peptide neurotransmitters?
Which of the following best discriminates between small-molecule neurotransmitters and peptide neurotransmitters?
Tap to reveal answer
Peptide neurotransmitters cannot be synthesized at the synaptic terminals. Since these molecules are proteins by nature, they must be constructed by ribosomes found in the soma near the nucleus. Specifically, ribosomes bound to the rough endoplasmic reticulum will synthesize peptide neurotransmitters, in order for them to be properly packaged for transmission. From the ER, the proteins iare sent to the Golgi apparatus where they are modified and packaged into vesicles, which then are transported along microtubules much like in a normal exocytosis process.
Small-molecule neurotransmitters are not stored in large dense-core vesicles, and are instead synthesized in the synaptic terminals.
Peptide neurotransmitters cannot be synthesized at the synaptic terminals. Since these molecules are proteins by nature, they must be constructed by ribosomes found in the soma near the nucleus. Specifically, ribosomes bound to the rough endoplasmic reticulum will synthesize peptide neurotransmitters, in order for them to be properly packaged for transmission. From the ER, the proteins iare sent to the Golgi apparatus where they are modified and packaged into vesicles, which then are transported along microtubules much like in a normal exocytosis process.
Small-molecule neurotransmitters are not stored in large dense-core vesicles, and are instead synthesized in the synaptic terminals.
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Which of the following are major inhibitory neurotransmitters, causing inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs)?
Which of the following are major inhibitory neurotransmitters, causing inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs)?
Tap to reveal answer
GABA and glycine are the two major inhibitory neurotransmitters.
Norepinephrine, epinephrine, glutamate, and acetylcholine cause excitatory responses. Synaptobrevin is a snare protein involved in vesicle docking and fusion; it has no effect on whether or not a neurotransmitter is or is not inhibitory.
GABA and glycine are the two major inhibitory neurotransmitters.
Norepinephrine, epinephrine, glutamate, and acetylcholine cause excitatory responses. Synaptobrevin is a snare protein involved in vesicle docking and fusion; it has no effect on whether or not a neurotransmitter is or is not inhibitory.
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Which of the following neurotransmitters functions to stimulate muscle cells to contract?
Which of the following neurotransmitters functions to stimulate muscle cells to contract?
Tap to reveal answer
The neurotransmitter acetylcholine is the only neurotransmitter released at the neuromuscular junctions between neurons and skeletal muscles, where it stimulates the muscles to contract.
The effects of norepinephrine prepare the body to respond to short-term threats and stressful situations. Serotonin is believed to affect mood and sleep. Serotonin imbalances have been linked to depression, and a classification of antidepressants is termed selective seratonin re-uptake inhibitors. The absence of dopamine is associated with Parkinson's disease. Endorphins produce analgesia by binding to the opiate receptor sites involved in pain perception.
The neurotransmitter acetylcholine is the only neurotransmitter released at the neuromuscular junctions between neurons and skeletal muscles, where it stimulates the muscles to contract.
The effects of norepinephrine prepare the body to respond to short-term threats and stressful situations. Serotonin is believed to affect mood and sleep. Serotonin imbalances have been linked to depression, and a classification of antidepressants is termed selective seratonin re-uptake inhibitors. The absence of dopamine is associated with Parkinson's disease. Endorphins produce analgesia by binding to the opiate receptor sites involved in pain perception.
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The optic nerve is formed from the axons of all retinal ganglion cells. The optic nerves from each eye join at the optic chiasm and eventually enter either the left or right optic tract. The optic tract projects to three subcortical areas. One is the lateral geniculate nucleus, which is responsible for processing visual information. One is the pretectal area, which produces pupillary reflexes based on information from the retina. Finally, the superior colliculus uses the information from the retina to generate eye movement.
When light is shone upon one eye, it causes constriction of the pupil in both eyes. Constriction of the eye in which the light is shone is the direct response while constriction of the other is known as the consensual response. The pupillary reflexes are mediated through retinal ganglion neurons that project to the pretectal area which lies anterior to the superior colliculus. The cells in the pretectal area project bilaterally to preganglionic parasympathetic neurons in the Edinger-Westphal nucleus. This is also known as the accessory oculomotor nucleus. The preganglionic parasympathetic neurons in the Edinger-Westphal nucleus send axons through the oculomotor nerve to innervate the ciliary ganglion. The ciliary ganglion's postganglionic neuron innervates the smooth muscle of the pupillary sphincter.
The neurotransmitter released by the axons in the Edinger-Westphal neurons is most likely .
The optic nerve is formed from the axons of all retinal ganglion cells. The optic nerves from each eye join at the optic chiasm and eventually enter either the left or right optic tract. The optic tract projects to three subcortical areas. One is the lateral geniculate nucleus, which is responsible for processing visual information. One is the pretectal area, which produces pupillary reflexes based on information from the retina. Finally, the superior colliculus uses the information from the retina to generate eye movement.
When light is shone upon one eye, it causes constriction of the pupil in both eyes. Constriction of the eye in which the light is shone is the direct response while constriction of the other is known as the consensual response. The pupillary reflexes are mediated through retinal ganglion neurons that project to the pretectal area which lies anterior to the superior colliculus. The cells in the pretectal area project bilaterally to preganglionic parasympathetic neurons in the Edinger-Westphal nucleus. This is also known as the accessory oculomotor nucleus. The preganglionic parasympathetic neurons in the Edinger-Westphal nucleus send axons through the oculomotor nerve to innervate the ciliary ganglion. The ciliary ganglion's postganglionic neuron innervates the smooth muscle of the pupillary sphincter.
The neurotransmitter released by the axons in the Edinger-Westphal neurons is most likely .
Tap to reveal answer
Acetylcholine is correct. We are told from the passage that the neurons which make up the Edinger-Westphal nucleus are parasympathetic neurons. Therefore, this question is really testing one's knowledge of the neurotransmitter used by parasympathetic neurons. We cannot be expected to know from the question alone which neurotransmitter these neurons use. However, we are supposed to be aware that neurons that are parasympathetic use the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.
Acetylcholine is correct. We are told from the passage that the neurons which make up the Edinger-Westphal nucleus are parasympathetic neurons. Therefore, this question is really testing one's knowledge of the neurotransmitter used by parasympathetic neurons. We cannot be expected to know from the question alone which neurotransmitter these neurons use. However, we are supposed to be aware that neurons that are parasympathetic use the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.
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The central nervous system consists of the brain and the spinal cord. In general, tracts allow for the brain to communicate up and down with the spinal cord. The commissures allow for the two hemispheres of the brain to communicate with each other. One of the most important commissures is the corpus callosum. The association fibers allow for the anterior regions of the brain to communicate with the posterior regions. One of the evolved routes from the spinal cord to the brain is via the dorsal column pathway. This route allows for fine touch, vibration, proprioception and 2 points discrimination. This pathway is much faster than the pain route. From the lower limbs, the signal ascends to the brain via a region called the gracile fasciculus. From the upper limbs, the signal ascends via the cuneate fasciculus region in the spinal cord.
One of the most common neurotransmitters is acetylcholine. Which of the following methods will decrease the amount of the neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft?
I. Increase the action potential frequency
II. Decrease the calcium concentration surrounding the neuron
III. Inhibit acetylcholine esterase
The central nervous system consists of the brain and the spinal cord. In general, tracts allow for the brain to communicate up and down with the spinal cord. The commissures allow for the two hemispheres of the brain to communicate with each other. One of the most important commissures is the corpus callosum. The association fibers allow for the anterior regions of the brain to communicate with the posterior regions. One of the evolved routes from the spinal cord to the brain is via the dorsal column pathway. This route allows for fine touch, vibration, proprioception and 2 points discrimination. This pathway is much faster than the pain route. From the lower limbs, the signal ascends to the brain via a region called the gracile fasciculus. From the upper limbs, the signal ascends via the cuneate fasciculus region in the spinal cord.
One of the most common neurotransmitters is acetylcholine. Which of the following methods will decrease the amount of the neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft?
I. Increase the action potential frequency
II. Decrease the calcium concentration surrounding the neuron
III. Inhibit acetylcholine esterase
Tap to reveal answer
The presynaptic neuron require an action potential in order to open the calcium voltage channel. The opening of this calcium channel will allow the influx of calcium and trigger the release of vesicles with the neurotransmitter inside. The exocytosis of acetylcholine from the presynaptic cleft will then bind to the receptor on the postsynaptic cleft. Inhibiting acetylcholinesterase will prevent the breakdown of the neurotransmitter and allow for it to bind to the receptor longer. Decreasing the surrounding concentration of calcium will inhibit the release of the acetylcholine filled vesicles into the synaptic cleft.
The presynaptic neuron require an action potential in order to open the calcium voltage channel. The opening of this calcium channel will allow the influx of calcium and trigger the release of vesicles with the neurotransmitter inside. The exocytosis of acetylcholine from the presynaptic cleft will then bind to the receptor on the postsynaptic cleft. Inhibiting acetylcholinesterase will prevent the breakdown of the neurotransmitter and allow for it to bind to the receptor longer. Decreasing the surrounding concentration of calcium will inhibit the release of the acetylcholine filled vesicles into the synaptic cleft.
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The cellular membrane is a very important structure. The lipid bilayer is both hydrophilic and hydrophobic. The hydrophilic layer faces the extracellular fluid and the cytosol of the cell. The hydrophobic portion of the lipid bilayer stays in between the hydrophobic regions like a sandwich. This bilayer separation allows for communication, protection, and homeostasis.
One of the most utilized signaling transduction pathways is the G protein-coupled receptor pathway. The hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties of the cellular membrane allows for the peptide and other hydrophilic hormones to bind to the receptor on the cellular surface but to not enter the cell. This regulation allows for activation despite the hormone’s short half-life. On the other hand, hydrophobic hormones must have longer half-lives to allow for these ligands to cross the lipid bilayer, travel through the cell’s cytosol and eventually reach the nucleus.
Cholesterol allows the lipid bilayer to maintain its fluidity despite the fluctuation in the body’s temperature due to events such as increasing metabolism. Cholesterol binds to the hydrophobic tails of the lipid bilayer. When the temperature is low, the cholesterol molecules prevent the hydrophobic tails from compacting and solidifying. When the temperature is high, the hydrophobic tails will be excited and will move excessively. This excess movement will bring instability to the bilayer. Cholesterol will prevent excessive movement.
Which of the following molecules can be found inside of a cell?
I. Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)
II. Protein kinase A
III. Acetylcholine
The cellular membrane is a very important structure. The lipid bilayer is both hydrophilic and hydrophobic. The hydrophilic layer faces the extracellular fluid and the cytosol of the cell. The hydrophobic portion of the lipid bilayer stays in between the hydrophobic regions like a sandwich. This bilayer separation allows for communication, protection, and homeostasis.
One of the most utilized signaling transduction pathways is the G protein-coupled receptor pathway. The hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties of the cellular membrane allows for the peptide and other hydrophilic hormones to bind to the receptor on the cellular surface but to not enter the cell. This regulation allows for activation despite the hormone’s short half-life. On the other hand, hydrophobic hormones must have longer half-lives to allow for these ligands to cross the lipid bilayer, travel through the cell’s cytosol and eventually reach the nucleus.
Cholesterol allows the lipid bilayer to maintain its fluidity despite the fluctuation in the body’s temperature due to events such as increasing metabolism. Cholesterol binds to the hydrophobic tails of the lipid bilayer. When the temperature is low, the cholesterol molecules prevent the hydrophobic tails from compacting and solidifying. When the temperature is high, the hydrophobic tails will be excited and will move excessively. This excess movement will bring instability to the bilayer. Cholesterol will prevent excessive movement.
Which of the following molecules can be found inside of a cell?
I. Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)
II. Protein kinase A
III. Acetylcholine
Tap to reveal answer
Cyclic adenosine monophosphate and protein kinase A are both second messengers in the G protein-coupled receptor pathway. Since they are second messengers, they amplify and transmit the signal inside of the cell. Acetylcholine, however is a hydrophillic neurotransmitter and binds to the receptor located on the surface of the cell, thereby inducing intracellular signaling.
Cyclic adenosine monophosphate and protein kinase A are both second messengers in the G protein-coupled receptor pathway. Since they are second messengers, they amplify and transmit the signal inside of the cell. Acetylcholine, however is a hydrophillic neurotransmitter and binds to the receptor located on the surface of the cell, thereby inducing intracellular signaling.
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The cellular membrane is a very important structure. The lipid bilayer is both hydrophilic and hydrophobic. The hydrophilic layer faces the extracellular fluid and the cytosol of the cell. The hydrophobic portion of the lipid bilayer stays in between the hydrophobic regions like a sandwich. This bilayer separation allows for communication, protection, and homeostasis.
One of the most utilized signaling transduction pathways is the G protein-coupled receptor pathway. The hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties of the cellular membrane allows for the peptide and other hydrophilic hormones to bind to the receptor on the cellular surface but to not enter the cell. This regulation allows for activation despite the hormone’s short half-life. On the other hand, hydrophobic hormones must have longer half-lives to allow for these ligands to cross the lipid bilayer, travel through the cell’s cytosol and eventually reach the nucleus.
Cholesterol allows the lipid bilayer to maintain its fluidity despite the fluctuation in the body’s temperature due to events such as increasing metabolism. Cholesterol binds to the hydrophobic tails of the lipid bilayer. When the temperature is low, the cholesterol molecules prevent the hydrophobic tails from compacting and solidifying. When the temperature is high, the hydrophobic tails will be excited and will move excessively. This excess movement will bring instability to the bilayer. Cholesterol will prevent excessive movement.
Which of the following molecules can be found inside of a cell?
I. Inositol trisphosphate
II. Protein kinase A
III. Epinephrine
The cellular membrane is a very important structure. The lipid bilayer is both hydrophilic and hydrophobic. The hydrophilic layer faces the extracellular fluid and the cytosol of the cell. The hydrophobic portion of the lipid bilayer stays in between the hydrophobic regions like a sandwich. This bilayer separation allows for communication, protection, and homeostasis.
One of the most utilized signaling transduction pathways is the G protein-coupled receptor pathway. The hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties of the cellular membrane allows for the peptide and other hydrophilic hormones to bind to the receptor on the cellular surface but to not enter the cell. This regulation allows for activation despite the hormone’s short half-life. On the other hand, hydrophobic hormones must have longer half-lives to allow for these ligands to cross the lipid bilayer, travel through the cell’s cytosol and eventually reach the nucleus.
Cholesterol allows the lipid bilayer to maintain its fluidity despite the fluctuation in the body’s temperature due to events such as increasing metabolism. Cholesterol binds to the hydrophobic tails of the lipid bilayer. When the temperature is low, the cholesterol molecules prevent the hydrophobic tails from compacting and solidifying. When the temperature is high, the hydrophobic tails will be excited and will move excessively. This excess movement will bring instability to the bilayer. Cholesterol will prevent excessive movement.
Which of the following molecules can be found inside of a cell?
I. Inositol trisphosphate
II. Protein kinase A
III. Epinephrine
Tap to reveal answer
Inositol trisphosphate (IP3) and protein kinase A are both second messengers in the G protein-coupled receptor pathway. Since they are second messengers, they amplify and transmit the signal inside of the cell. Epinephrine, however is a hydrophilic (impermeable) neurotransmitter and hormone that binds to the receptor located on the surface of the cell.
Inositol trisphosphate (IP3) and protein kinase A are both second messengers in the G protein-coupled receptor pathway. Since they are second messengers, they amplify and transmit the signal inside of the cell. Epinephrine, however is a hydrophilic (impermeable) neurotransmitter and hormone that binds to the receptor located on the surface of the cell.
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Sarin gas is a potent nerve agent that quickly causes serious physiological effects if ingested, even in very small quantities. It inhibits acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme that degrades acetylcholine. Acetylcholinesterase generally acts at the neuromuscular junction.
Sarin gas may cause which of the following?
Sarin gas is a potent nerve agent that quickly causes serious physiological effects if ingested, even in very small quantities. It inhibits acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme that degrades acetylcholine. Acetylcholinesterase generally acts at the neuromuscular junction.
Sarin gas may cause which of the following?
Tap to reveal answer
Acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter that acts at neuromuscular junctions. Acetylcholinesterase degrades acetylcholine at the synaptic cleft, allowing the muscle to relax. If acetylcholinesterase is inhibited, acetylcholine will remain in the synaptic cleft and continuously stimulate the muscle. Breathing requires the ability to contract and relax respiratory muscles. Without rapid administration of an antidote, sarin gas usually results in death from asphyxiation. Acetylcholine causes pupil constriction and gastrointestinal motility. It is not associated with a rapid increase in leukocyte production.
Acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter that acts at neuromuscular junctions. Acetylcholinesterase degrades acetylcholine at the synaptic cleft, allowing the muscle to relax. If acetylcholinesterase is inhibited, acetylcholine will remain in the synaptic cleft and continuously stimulate the muscle. Breathing requires the ability to contract and relax respiratory muscles. Without rapid administration of an antidote, sarin gas usually results in death from asphyxiation. Acetylcholine causes pupil constriction and gastrointestinal motility. It is not associated with a rapid increase in leukocyte production.
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Which of the following neurons would have vesicles of norepinephrine in its axon terminal?
Which of the following neurons would have vesicles of norepinephrine in its axon terminal?
Tap to reveal answer
Norepinephrine (also called noradrenaline), is associated with the sympathetic nervous system. Acetylcholine is the most commonly used neurotransmitter in the autonomic nervous system, however norepinephrine is the neurotransmitter released from sympathetic postganglionic neurons to elicit sympathetic responses from target tissues.
The parasympathetic nervous system uses only acetylcholine.
Norepinephrine (also called noradrenaline), is associated with the sympathetic nervous system. Acetylcholine is the most commonly used neurotransmitter in the autonomic nervous system, however norepinephrine is the neurotransmitter released from sympathetic postganglionic neurons to elicit sympathetic responses from target tissues.
The parasympathetic nervous system uses only acetylcholine.
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Which of the following are potential fates of neurotransmitters that have been released into the synaptic cleft?
I. Reuptake
II. Degradation
III. Passive diffusion away from synaptic cleft
IV. Bind receptors
Which of the following are potential fates of neurotransmitters that have been released into the synaptic cleft?
I. Reuptake
II. Degradation
III. Passive diffusion away from synaptic cleft
IV. Bind receptors
Tap to reveal answer
Every choice listed is a potential fate of neurotransmitters that have been released into the synaptic cleft. They can passively diffuse away from the synaptic cleft due to normal chemical principles. Neurotransmitters can also bind their target receptors and stimulate the post-synaptic neuron. There may also be special enzymes that inactivate or degrade neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft, as acetylcholinesterase does with acetylcholine. It is also possible for reuptake to occur (the neurotransmitters to be taken back into the pre-synaptic neuron).
Every choice listed is a potential fate of neurotransmitters that have been released into the synaptic cleft. They can passively diffuse away from the synaptic cleft due to normal chemical principles. Neurotransmitters can also bind their target receptors and stimulate the post-synaptic neuron. There may also be special enzymes that inactivate or degrade neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft, as acetylcholinesterase does with acetylcholine. It is also possible for reuptake to occur (the neurotransmitters to be taken back into the pre-synaptic neuron).
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What neurotransmitter is released by the postganglionic neurons of the sympathetic nervous system?
What neurotransmitter is released by the postganglionic neurons of the sympathetic nervous system?
Tap to reveal answer
Norepinephrine is an excitatory neurotransmitter that readies the body for the "fight-or-flight" response. The sympathetic nervous system releases epinephrine and norepinephrine from postanglionic neurons to stimulate this response from targeted organs.
Acetylcholine is released from preganglionic sympathetic neurons. It is also released from both preganglionic and postganglionic neurons of the parasympathetic nervous system. It is also the primary neurotransmitter involved in neuromuscular junctions.
Serotonin affects mood and social behavior, while dopamine is involved in mood and focus. GABA, unlike acetylcholine and norepinephrine, is an inhibitory neurotransmitter.
Norepinephrine is an excitatory neurotransmitter that readies the body for the "fight-or-flight" response. The sympathetic nervous system releases epinephrine and norepinephrine from postanglionic neurons to stimulate this response from targeted organs.
Acetylcholine is released from preganglionic sympathetic neurons. It is also released from both preganglionic and postganglionic neurons of the parasympathetic nervous system. It is also the primary neurotransmitter involved in neuromuscular junctions.
Serotonin affects mood and social behavior, while dopamine is involved in mood and focus. GABA, unlike acetylcholine and norepinephrine, is an inhibitory neurotransmitter.
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Which of the following best discriminates between small-molecule neurotransmitters and peptide neurotransmitters?
Which of the following best discriminates between small-molecule neurotransmitters and peptide neurotransmitters?
Tap to reveal answer
Peptide neurotransmitters cannot be synthesized at the synaptic terminals. Since these molecules are proteins by nature, they must be constructed by ribosomes found in the soma near the nucleus. Specifically, ribosomes bound to the rough endoplasmic reticulum will synthesize peptide neurotransmitters, in order for them to be properly packaged for transmission. From the ER, the proteins iare sent to the Golgi apparatus where they are modified and packaged into vesicles, which then are transported along microtubules much like in a normal exocytosis process.
Small-molecule neurotransmitters are not stored in large dense-core vesicles, and are instead synthesized in the synaptic terminals.
Peptide neurotransmitters cannot be synthesized at the synaptic terminals. Since these molecules are proteins by nature, they must be constructed by ribosomes found in the soma near the nucleus. Specifically, ribosomes bound to the rough endoplasmic reticulum will synthesize peptide neurotransmitters, in order for them to be properly packaged for transmission. From the ER, the proteins iare sent to the Golgi apparatus where they are modified and packaged into vesicles, which then are transported along microtubules much like in a normal exocytosis process.
Small-molecule neurotransmitters are not stored in large dense-core vesicles, and are instead synthesized in the synaptic terminals.
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Which of the following are major inhibitory neurotransmitters, causing inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs)?
Which of the following are major inhibitory neurotransmitters, causing inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs)?
Tap to reveal answer
GABA and glycine are the two major inhibitory neurotransmitters.
Norepinephrine, epinephrine, glutamate, and acetylcholine cause excitatory responses. Synaptobrevin is a snare protein involved in vesicle docking and fusion; it has no effect on whether or not a neurotransmitter is or is not inhibitory.
GABA and glycine are the two major inhibitory neurotransmitters.
Norepinephrine, epinephrine, glutamate, and acetylcholine cause excitatory responses. Synaptobrevin is a snare protein involved in vesicle docking and fusion; it has no effect on whether or not a neurotransmitter is or is not inhibitory.
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Which of the following neurotransmitters functions to stimulate muscle cells to contract?
Which of the following neurotransmitters functions to stimulate muscle cells to contract?
Tap to reveal answer
The neurotransmitter acetylcholine is the only neurotransmitter released at the neuromuscular junctions between neurons and skeletal muscles, where it stimulates the muscles to contract.
The effects of norepinephrine prepare the body to respond to short-term threats and stressful situations. Serotonin is believed to affect mood and sleep. Serotonin imbalances have been linked to depression, and a classification of antidepressants is termed selective seratonin re-uptake inhibitors. The absence of dopamine is associated with Parkinson's disease. Endorphins produce analgesia by binding to the opiate receptor sites involved in pain perception.
The neurotransmitter acetylcholine is the only neurotransmitter released at the neuromuscular junctions between neurons and skeletal muscles, where it stimulates the muscles to contract.
The effects of norepinephrine prepare the body to respond to short-term threats and stressful situations. Serotonin is believed to affect mood and sleep. Serotonin imbalances have been linked to depression, and a classification of antidepressants is termed selective seratonin re-uptake inhibitors. The absence of dopamine is associated with Parkinson's disease. Endorphins produce analgesia by binding to the opiate receptor sites involved in pain perception.
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The optic nerve is formed from the axons of all retinal ganglion cells. The optic nerves from each eye join at the optic chiasm and eventually enter either the left or right optic tract. The optic tract projects to three subcortical areas. One is the lateral geniculate nucleus, which is responsible for processing visual information. One is the pretectal area, which produces pupillary reflexes based on information from the retina. Finally, the superior colliculus uses the information from the retina to generate eye movement.
When light is shone upon one eye, it causes constriction of the pupil in both eyes. Constriction of the eye in which the light is shone is the direct response while constriction of the other is known as the consensual response. The pupillary reflexes are mediated through retinal ganglion neurons that project to the pretectal area which lies anterior to the superior colliculus. The cells in the pretectal area project bilaterally to preganglionic parasympathetic neurons in the Edinger-Westphal nucleus. This is also known as the accessory oculomotor nucleus. The preganglionic parasympathetic neurons in the Edinger-Westphal nucleus send axons through the oculomotor nerve to innervate the ciliary ganglion. The ciliary ganglion's postganglionic neuron innervates the smooth muscle of the pupillary sphincter.
The neurotransmitter released by the axons in the Edinger-Westphal neurons is most likely .
The optic nerve is formed from the axons of all retinal ganglion cells. The optic nerves from each eye join at the optic chiasm and eventually enter either the left or right optic tract. The optic tract projects to three subcortical areas. One is the lateral geniculate nucleus, which is responsible for processing visual information. One is the pretectal area, which produces pupillary reflexes based on information from the retina. Finally, the superior colliculus uses the information from the retina to generate eye movement.
When light is shone upon one eye, it causes constriction of the pupil in both eyes. Constriction of the eye in which the light is shone is the direct response while constriction of the other is known as the consensual response. The pupillary reflexes are mediated through retinal ganglion neurons that project to the pretectal area which lies anterior to the superior colliculus. The cells in the pretectal area project bilaterally to preganglionic parasympathetic neurons in the Edinger-Westphal nucleus. This is also known as the accessory oculomotor nucleus. The preganglionic parasympathetic neurons in the Edinger-Westphal nucleus send axons through the oculomotor nerve to innervate the ciliary ganglion. The ciliary ganglion's postganglionic neuron innervates the smooth muscle of the pupillary sphincter.
The neurotransmitter released by the axons in the Edinger-Westphal neurons is most likely .
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Acetylcholine is correct. We are told from the passage that the neurons which make up the Edinger-Westphal nucleus are parasympathetic neurons. Therefore, this question is really testing one's knowledge of the neurotransmitter used by parasympathetic neurons. We cannot be expected to know from the question alone which neurotransmitter these neurons use. However, we are supposed to be aware that neurons that are parasympathetic use the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.
Acetylcholine is correct. We are told from the passage that the neurons which make up the Edinger-Westphal nucleus are parasympathetic neurons. Therefore, this question is really testing one's knowledge of the neurotransmitter used by parasympathetic neurons. We cannot be expected to know from the question alone which neurotransmitter these neurons use. However, we are supposed to be aware that neurons that are parasympathetic use the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.
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The central nervous system consists of the brain and the spinal cord. In general, tracts allow for the brain to communicate up and down with the spinal cord. The commissures allow for the two hemispheres of the brain to communicate with each other. One of the most important commissures is the corpus callosum. The association fibers allow for the anterior regions of the brain to communicate with the posterior regions. One of the evolved routes from the spinal cord to the brain is via the dorsal column pathway. This route allows for fine touch, vibration, proprioception and 2 points discrimination. This pathway is much faster than the pain route. From the lower limbs, the signal ascends to the brain via a region called the gracile fasciculus. From the upper limbs, the signal ascends via the cuneate fasciculus region in the spinal cord.
One of the most common neurotransmitters is acetylcholine. Which of the following methods will decrease the amount of the neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft?
I. Increase the action potential frequency
II. Decrease the calcium concentration surrounding the neuron
III. Inhibit acetylcholine esterase
The central nervous system consists of the brain and the spinal cord. In general, tracts allow for the brain to communicate up and down with the spinal cord. The commissures allow for the two hemispheres of the brain to communicate with each other. One of the most important commissures is the corpus callosum. The association fibers allow for the anterior regions of the brain to communicate with the posterior regions. One of the evolved routes from the spinal cord to the brain is via the dorsal column pathway. This route allows for fine touch, vibration, proprioception and 2 points discrimination. This pathway is much faster than the pain route. From the lower limbs, the signal ascends to the brain via a region called the gracile fasciculus. From the upper limbs, the signal ascends via the cuneate fasciculus region in the spinal cord.
One of the most common neurotransmitters is acetylcholine. Which of the following methods will decrease the amount of the neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft?
I. Increase the action potential frequency
II. Decrease the calcium concentration surrounding the neuron
III. Inhibit acetylcholine esterase
Tap to reveal answer
The presynaptic neuron require an action potential in order to open the calcium voltage channel. The opening of this calcium channel will allow the influx of calcium and trigger the release of vesicles with the neurotransmitter inside. The exocytosis of acetylcholine from the presynaptic cleft will then bind to the receptor on the postsynaptic cleft. Inhibiting acetylcholinesterase will prevent the breakdown of the neurotransmitter and allow for it to bind to the receptor longer. Decreasing the surrounding concentration of calcium will inhibit the release of the acetylcholine filled vesicles into the synaptic cleft.
The presynaptic neuron require an action potential in order to open the calcium voltage channel. The opening of this calcium channel will allow the influx of calcium and trigger the release of vesicles with the neurotransmitter inside. The exocytosis of acetylcholine from the presynaptic cleft will then bind to the receptor on the postsynaptic cleft. Inhibiting acetylcholinesterase will prevent the breakdown of the neurotransmitter and allow for it to bind to the receptor longer. Decreasing the surrounding concentration of calcium will inhibit the release of the acetylcholine filled vesicles into the synaptic cleft.
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