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Neurotransmitters, Receptors, and Pathways

Core neurotransmitters — synthesis, receptors, and high-yield clinical associations for USMLE-style recall.

12 cards· by GuruOwl

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  1. 01
    What is the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the CNS?
    Glutamate
    neuro
  2. 02
    What is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS?
    GABA (brain); glycine is major in spinal cord.
    neuro
  3. 03
    From which amino acid is serotonin (5-HT) synthesized?
    Tryptophan
    synthesis
  4. 04
    From which amino acid is dopamine/norepinephrine/epinephrine derived?
    Tyrosine (via DOPA → dopamine → NE → epi)
    synthesis
  5. 05
    What is the rate-limiting enzyme in catecholamine synthesis?
    Tyrosine hydroxylase
    synthesis
  6. 06
    Where is acetylcholine the neurotransmitter at the neuromuscular junction?
    Somatic motor neurons → skeletal muscle (nicotinic ACh receptors).
    ach
  7. 07
    What receptor type are nicotinic ACh receptors?
    Ligand-gated ion channels (ionotropic).
    receptors
  8. 08
    What receptor type are muscarinic ACh receptors?
    G-protein–coupled receptors (metabotropic).
    receptors
  9. 09
    Which dopaminergic pathway is linked to Parkinson disease when degenerated?
    Nigrostriatal pathway (substantia nigra → striatum).
    dopamine
  10. 10
    Which dopaminergic pathway is linked to reward/addiction?
    Mesolimbic pathway (VTA → nucleus accumbens).
    dopamine
  11. 11
    Low CSF serotonin is classically associated with what behavioral risk?
    Increased impulsivity / aggression / suicide risk (association, not sole cause).
    serotonin
  12. 12
    What does an SSRI do at the synapse?
    Blocks the serotonin transporter (SERT), increasing synaptic 5-HT.
    pharm