Unit 2

• A neuron only fires if there's a strong enough stimulus to cause an action potential
• Neuron firing


  1. Action potential sent through axon

  2. Neurotransmitters released from axon terminals

  3. Neurotransmitters bind to receptors on postsynaptic neuron
• Agonist


  Substances that increase the effectiveness of a neurotransmitter by binding to its receptors, increasing production, or blocking reuptake
• Agonist substances


  • Anti-anxiety medications like Xanax
  • Antidepressants like Prozac
• Reuptake


  The process of the presynaptic neuron reabsorbing neurotransmitters that have been released into the synapse
• Reuptake inhibitor


  Drugs that block neurotransmitters from being absorbed back into the presynaptic axon terminal
• Agonist substances


  • Opioid drugs
• Antagonist


  Drugs that decrease the effectiveness of neurotransmission by blocking neurotransmitter release or binding to receptors
• Antagonist substances


  • Medications for schizophrenia that block dopamine receptors
  • Alcohol that blocks the release of glutamate
• Antagonists reduce or prevent the effects of neurotransmitters