CHEM 183 Study Guide - Final Guide: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor, Neurotransmitter Receptor, Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder

• School: McGill University
• Department: Chemistry
• Course: CHEM 183
• Professor: Joe Schwarcz

Document Summary

Neurotransmitters released by neurons, modulate brain function, role in mental illness. Neurotransmitters are synthesized within a nerve cell and stored at tip of axon of transmitting cell in vesicles. Neuron fires, electrical impulse carried along one cell and is transmitted to next carrying electrical impulse constitutes the nerve signal. When impulse reaches end of axon, neurotransmitters released into synapse and react with neurotransmitter receptors, causes propagation of electrical impulse on dendrite of next neuron. Dendrites involved in receiving a signal short wavy arms from cell central body. Axon tail involved in transmitting signal long-tail. Synapse space b/w axon of one cell and dendrite of another. Ways to chemically interfere with neurotransmitter signaling pathway: 1. lock and key method drug designed to block neurotransmitter-receiving receptors on signal-receiving cell, no electrical impulse transmitter b/w cells. 2. drugs designed to interfere with synthesis of neurotransmitters.