Learning Objectives

• Describe the general cellular processes of chemical neurotransmission, including storage and release and recycling of transmitters, activation of receptors and signal termination (REVIEW)
• Describe the major processes for neuronal integration of postsynaptic potentials, including presynaptic and postsynaptic modulation
• Compare the somatic and autonomic nervous systems in relation to their effectors, efferent pathways, neurotransmitters released, and receptors activated
• Compare and contrast the effects of the parasympathetic and sympathetic NS on the following organs: salivary glands, iris, heart, blood vessels, lungs, GI tract, adrenal medulla, sweat glands and external genitalia
• Explain the relationship of some types of hypertension, Raynaud’s disease, and autonomic dysreflexia to impairments in autonomic function
• Describe the synthesis pathways & processes for enzymatic breakdown and/or uptake for the following neurotransmitters & neuromodulators - dopamine, 5-HT, glutamate, GABA
• Outline the transmission process for opioids, purines & nitric oxide
• For each of the above neurotransmitters & neuromodulators, name the receptor subtypes, indicate their functional type, and identify the synaptic responses they mediate
• Outline the CNS pathways and functional roles for the main CNS neurotransmitters, and the major disorders associated with their alteration

Neurotransmission

• what are the steps leading up to neurotransmitter release?
• what are postsynaptic potentials?
• how are signals terminated?
• what is synaptic integration?
• what is summation?

Neurotransmitters

• ACh CNS pathways?
• biogenic amine NTs?