15.4 - Structure & Function of Synapses Flashcards
The functions of synapses The structure of synapses Excitatory and inhibitory synapses Spatial and temporal summation at synapses
What is a synapse?
Junction for information transfer between neurones or to effector cells
What are the key roles of synapses?
Transmit information
What are the key structures in a synapse?
Presynaptic neurone
What is the function of the presynaptic neurone?
Releases neurotransmitters
What is the function of the synaptic knob?
Contains organelles for neurotransmitter production
What is the function of synaptic vesicles?
Store neurotransmitters
What is the function of the synaptic cleft?
Gap between neurones
What is the function of the postsynaptic neurone?
Receives neurotransmitters
What is the function of neurotransmitter receptors?
Bind with neurotransmitters
What is the effect of excitatory neurotransmitters?
Depolarisation
What is the effect of inhibitory neurotransmitters?
Hyperpolarisation
What is an example of an excitatory neurotransmitter?
Acetylcholine at neuromuscular junctions
What is an example of an inhibitory neurotransmitter?
Acetylcholine at cardiac synapses
What are the steps involved in inhibitory synaptic transmission?
Neurotransmitter release
What is summation?
Combining inputs to generate action potential
What is spatial summation?
Multiple presynaptic neurones converge
What is temporal summation?
Repeated firing by a presynaptic neurone
