Central & Peripheral Nervous Systems
  • Lesson Menu
    • Study Guide
       Study Guide
      Would you like to create a study guide ?
    • Glossary
    • Notes
    • Help
  • Keyboard-only View
  • Alternate View
Open in a new window/tab

TOPIC 02: The Peripheral Nervous System

Skip Navigation
Receptor Subtypes in Detail
Previous PageNext Page
Lesson Splash, Page 1
Splash
Lesson Overview, Page 2
Overview
Topic 01: Introduction, Page 3
The Central Nervous System
Topic 01: Division of the Brain, Page 4
The Central Nervous System
Topic 01: Principles Structures, Page 5
The Central Nervous System
Topic 01: Developed Brain, Page 6
The Central Nervous System
Topic 01: Major Parts of the Brain and Functions, Page 7
The Central Nervous System
Topic 01: Cerebrum, Page 8
The Central Nervous System
Topic 01: Frontal Lobe Details - LIMP, Page 9
The Central Nervous System
Topic 01: Frontal Lobe: Disruption of Cortical Functions, Page 10
The Central Nervous System
Topic 01: Temporal Lobe Details - LAME, Page 11
The Central Nervous System
Topic 01: Parietal Lobe Details - VAST, Page 12
The Central Nervous System
Topic 01: Occipital Lobe Details - VIP, Page 13
The Central Nervous System
Topic 01: Limbic System, Page 14
The Central Nervous System
Topic 01: Nucleus Accumbens, Page 15
The Central Nervous System
Topic 01: Basal Ganglia, Page 16
The Central Nervous System
Topic 01: Thalamus, Page 17
The Central Nervous System
Topic 01: Hypothalamus, Page 18
The Central Nervous System
Topic 01: Brainstem, Page 19
The Central Nervous System
Topic 01: Brainstem Elements, Page 20
The Central Nervous System
Topic 02: Introduction, Page 21
The Peripheral Nervous System
Topic 02: Neuron Anatomy, Page 22
The Peripheral Nervous System
Topic 02: Neurotransmitters (NT), Page 23
The Peripheral Nervous System
Topic 02: 7 Major Neurotransmitters, Page 24
The Peripheral Nervous System
Topic 02: Chemical Neurotransmitters, Page 25
The Peripheral Nervous System
Topic 02: Neurotransmitter Dysregulation as Pathophysiology, Page 26
The Peripheral Nervous System
Topic 02: NT Actions, Page 27
The Peripheral Nervous System
Topic 02: Receptors Systems, Page 28
The Peripheral Nervous System
Topic 02: Receptor Subtypes, Page 29
The Peripheral Nervous System
Topic 02: Receptor Subtypes in Detail, Page 30
The Peripheral Nervous System
Lesson Summary, Page 31
Lesson Summary
30 of 31

Receptor Subtypes in Detail

Select each image for more information.
  • image Acetylcholine (ACh) 
  • image Dopamine
  • image Dopamine Pathways
  • image Norepinephrine (NE)
  • image Serotonin (5HT)
  • image GABA and Glutamate =  Amino Acids
1 of 6
Decorative Image

Acetylcholine (ACh) 

Acetylcholine is a chemical that is found between the nerve synapses, or gaps, between nerve cells. When activated, it causes the contraction of skeletal muscles and activates glandular functions in the endocrine system. 

  • Travels through the Basal Forebrain to hippocampus,  amygdala, & cerebral cortex
  • Cholinergic receptors (nicotinic & muscarinic)
  • Widespread loss of cholinergic neurons with Alzheimer’s  Disease
  • Anticholinergic response (dry mouth, blurred vision,  constipation, urinary retention)
  • Mechanisms also include learning & memory
Decorative Image

Dopamine

Dopamine is a chemical found naturally in the human body. It is a neurotransmitter that sends signals from the body to the brain.

Dopamine plays a part in controlling the movements a person makes, as well plays a role in how we feel pleasure. The right balance of dopamine is vital for both physical and mental wellbeing.

Located in cerebral cortex, limbic system.

Dopamine Hypothesis of Schizophrenia

  • D2 over activity involved in psychosis
  • All antipsychotics block D2

Cognitive Function = Attention, working  memory, concentration

  • Stimulants medications used for ADHD-  enhance DA & NE via blocking reuptake or direct agonism

Parkinson’s Disease -Insufficient DA-agonists  used to treat

Decorative Image

Dopamine Pathways

  1. Mesolimbic Pathway - Positive symptoms of  Schizophrenia when DA is overactive  (hallucinations, delusions)
  2. Nigrostriatal Pathway - Parkinsonism and other  Extrapyramidal symptoms when DA is under  active or depleted.
  3. Mesocortial Pathway - Negative Symptoms of  Schizophrenia; Cognitive problems
  4. Tuberoinfundibular Pathway - Elevated  prolactin when DA is blocked  (galactorrhea,gynecomastia, amenorrhea,  impotence)
Decorative Image

Norepinephrine (NE)

  • Located in locus ceruleus in pons, cerebral  cortex, limbic system, hypothalamus, & thalamus
  • Receptors: Alpha1, Alpha 2; Beta 1; Beta 2
  • Implicated in the following:
    • Mood, arousal, sexual functioning
    • Cognition
    • Attention/Concentration
    • Working Memory
    • Information Processing
    • Anxiety & Mood Disorders
    • Psychomotor Activity
Decorative Image

Serotonin (5HT)

  • Located in raphe region of lower midbrain &  upper pons; raphe nuclei, dorsal raphe, basal  ganglia, & cerebral cortex
  • Implicated in the following:
    • Affective Disorders
    • Anxiety Disorders
    • Impulsivity
    • Aggression
    • Obsessions & compulsions
    • Food craving; bulimia
    • Diurnal variation, sleep
Decorative Image

GABA and Glutamate =  Amino Acids

Glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) are the major neurotransmitters in the brain. Inhibitory GABA and excitatory glutamate work together to control many processes, including the brain’s overall level of excitation. A balanced interaction is required to maintain the physiological homeostasis, while prolonged imbalance can lead to disease. 

  • Glutamate
    • Major Excitatory NT in the brain
  • GABA-gamma-aminobutyric acid
    • Major Inhibitory NT in the brain
    • GABA-A receptors are modulated by several  nearby receptors
      • Benzodiazepines
      • Non-benzo sedative-hypnotics
      • Alcohol
      • Barbiturates