2.3 Synaptic + Junctional transmission

Question 1

What is a synapse?

What are the two types of synapses?

Answer 1

Point of cell-to-cell communication
Chemical - pre-synaptic release of NT across synaptic cleft to post-synaptic cell
Electrical - gap junctions

Question 2

Outline the elements of the chemical synapse

Answer 2

Presynaptic terminal - mitochondria, NT-containing vesicles: ACh, glycine, GABA, glutamate; catecholamines; neuropeptides
Synaptic cleft (20-40 nm wide)
Postsynaptic density - receptors, binding proteins and enzymes