NROSCI 0081 Lecture Notes - Lecture 10: Otto Loewi, Vagus Nerve, Action Potential
Document Summary
Process by which a neuronal signal is transferred through a neuron, and from one neuron to the next. Signaling molecules are released by a neuron (presynaptic neuron), and activate the receptors of another neuron (postsynaptic neuron) Caused ap in parasympathetic vagus nerve: slow the beating of heart rate. Other frog heart had slower heart beating: hearts share fluid. Something in the fluid made communication between the 2 hearts possible. Each synapse can be influenced by multiple functionally distinct chemicals (and most are) More tightly regulated (blocking receptors, chemical production, chemical release, receptors) Most psychoactive drugs directly affect this system or mimic nts. Neurotransmitters: chemical messengers of the nerve impulse carried across the synapse. The chemical must be produced or found within a neuron. Chemical must be released in response to an action potential. When released, the chemical must act on a receptor and cause a biological effect. After release, the chemical must be inactivated.
