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All 10 Flashcards — Neurotransmission
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Question
What is neurotransmission?
Answer
How neurons pass signals using electrical impulses and chemical messengers across a synapse.
Question
What are the four steps of neurotransmission?
Answer
Impulse fires, neurotransmitters release, bind to receptors, then are cleared (reuptake/breakdown).
Question
What is a synapse?
Answer
The tiny gap between two neurons that neurotransmitters cross.
Question
What is a receptor?
Answer
A site on the receiving neuron where a matching neurotransmitter binds.
Question
What is reuptake?
Answer
Leftover neurotransmitter being taken back into the sending neuron, resetting the synapse.
Question
How do many antidepressants work?
Answer
By blocking reuptake, so a neurotransmitter stays active in the synapse longer.
Question
Signal within vs between neurons?
Answer
Within = electrical impulse; between = chemical neurotransmitters.
Question
One strength of the neurotransmission explanation?
Answer
Precise, evidence-based, and explains how many medicines work.
Question
One limitation of the explanation?
Answer
It can be reductionist and ignores thoughts, environment and social context.
Question
Which concept does it link to?
Answer
Causality — chemical signals are a physical cause of behaviour.
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Full study notes for Neurotransmission
Topic 2.1 hub
Biological approach
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Psychology exam skills
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