Neuron-basic structural unit of the nervous system; a cell with specialized processes that are electrically excitable

Neurotransmission-the process of how one neuron “talks” or communicates information with another neuron.

Neurotransmitter- A chemical that act as a messenger between cells in the brain and nervous system; it is released from the axon of one neuron and binds to a specific site in the dendrite of an adjacent neuron, thus triggering a nerve impulse in that neuron. In this way the “message” is transmitted.

Microtubule – a cellular organelle that transports vesicles from the neuronal cell body down the axon to the nerve terminal; also acts in the recycling of neurotransmitter vesicles.

Nerve terminal – the end of the axon where neurotransmitters are stored in “containers” made of membrane called vesicles. When an electrical change is conducted down the axon to the nerve terminal, vesicles cluster at the synapse to be released through the process of exocytosis (cell vomiting).

Synapse- the space that separates neurons, across which information is transmitted by chemical neurotransmitters diffusing from the nerve terminal of one neuron to the dendrite of another neuron.

Serotonin- a neurotransmitter in the brain that modulates mood, appetite, sexual activity, aggression, body temperature and sleep.

Axon-the specialized process of the neuron that usually conveys signals from the neuron to other neurons or muscle.

Postsynaptic receptors or receptor proteins- A binding site located on the dendrite of a neuron to which specific molecules like neurotransmitters will chemically bond; this causes a change in the shape of the protein, which opens ion channels in the “receiving” neuron, causing a change in electrical activity which is propagated to the cell body of that neuron. In this way the “chemical” message is transduced to an “electrical” message.

Degradation- the chemical process of breaking down a neurotransmitter usually through the action of an enzyme.

Reuptake- the process of recapturing neurotransmitters back into the nerve terminal to be recycled and used again in the process of neurotransmission

Ecstasy: 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, and is also known as MDMA, XTC, X, Adam, Clarity, or Lover’s Speed

Positron Emission Tomography (PET)- a nuclear medicine diagnostic imaging technology used for viewing brain activity by measuring the flow of blood containing radioactive atoms that emit positrons.