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Neurotransmitters - Anatomy & Physiology (view source)
Revision as of 10:58, 24 August 2011
, 10:58, 24 August 2011→Amino Acids
===Small-Molecule Neurotransmitters===
===Small-Molecule Neurotransmitters===
====Amino Acids====
====Amino Acids====
When '''glutamate''' is released it facilitates the opening of sodium channels within the post-synaptic membrane allowing sodium ions to enter the membrane and causing depolarisation. Therefore '''glutamate''' makes it easier for the cell to reach it's depolarisation threshold and generate an action potential. '''Glutamate''' is therefore classified as an excitatory neurotransmitter.
When '''glutamate''' is released it facilitates the opening of sodium channels within the post-synaptic membrane allowing sodium ions to enter the membrane and causing depolarisation. Therefore '''glutamate''' makes it easier for the cell to reach it's depolarisation threshold and generate an action potential. Due to this, '''Glutamate''' is classified as an excitatory neurotransmitter.
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'''Glycine''' is present in the spinal cord and is crucial for limb movement, in particular the motor function associated with limb reflexes. When both '''glycine''' and '''GABA''' are released they result in the opening of chloride ion channels within the post synaptic membrane resulting in the membrane becoming hyperpolarised. The cytosolic side of the membrane becomes more negative. Therefore both neurotransmitters make it more difficult for the cell to reach it's depolarisation threshold to generate an action potential.
'''Glycine''' is present in the spinal cord and is crucial for limb movement; in particular the motor function associated with limb reflexes. When both '''glycine''' and '''GABA''' are released they result in the opening of chloride ion channels within the post synaptic membrane resulting in the membrane becoming hyperpolarised. The cytosolic side of the membrane becomes more negative. Therefore both neurotransmitters make it more difficult for the cell to reach it's depolarisation threshold to generate an action potential.
====Biogenic Amines====
====Biogenic Amines====