6.2: The process of synaptic transmission

Question 1

Outline the structures and processes involved in synaptic transmission (6 marks)

Answer 1

Initially, the electrical nerve impulse travels down the neuron and prompts the release of neurotransmitters (chemicals in the brain) at the pre-synaptic terminal from tiny sacs called synaptic vesicles

Question 2

Outline the structures and processes involved in synaptic transmission (6 marks).
Initially, the electrical nerve impulse travels down the neuron and prompts the release of neurotransmitters (chemicals in the brain) at the pre-synaptic terminal from tiny sacs called synaptic vesicles.

Answer 2

These chemicals are then released into the synaptic fluid in the synapse

Question 3

Outline the structures and processes involved in synaptic transmission (6 marks).
Initially, the electrical nerve impulse travels down the neuron and prompts the release of neurotransmitters (chemicals in the brain) at the pre-synaptic terminal from tiny sacs called synaptic vesicles.
These chemicals are then released into the synaptic fluid in the synapse.

Answer 3

The adjacent neuron must then quickly take up the neurotransmitter from the fluid and convert them to an electrical impulse to travel down the neuron to the next pre-synaptic terminal

Question 4

Outline the structures and processes involved in synaptic transmission (6 marks).
Initially, the electrical nerve impulse travels down the neuron and prompts the release of neurotransmitters (chemicals in the brain) at the pre-synaptic terminal from tiny sacs called synaptic vesicles.
These chemicals are then released into the synaptic fluid in the synapse.
The adjacent neuron must then quickly take up the neurotransmitter from the fluid and convert them to an electrical impulse to travel down the neuron to the next pre-synaptic terminal.

Answer 4

So, the impulse continues to be transmitted on

Question 5

Outline the structures and processes involved in synaptic transmission (6 marks).
Initially, the electrical nerve impulse travels down the neuron and prompts the release of neurotransmitters (chemicals in the brain) at the pre-synaptic terminal from tiny sacs called synaptic vesicles.
These chemicals are then released into the synaptic fluid in the synapse.
The adjacent neuron must then quickly take up the neurotransmitter from the fluid and convert them to an electrical impulse to travel down the neuron to the next pre-synaptic terminal.
So, the impulse continues to be transmitted on.

Answer 5

This occurs at high speed

Question 6

Outline the structures and processes involved in synaptic transmission (6 marks).
Initially, the electrical nerve impulse travels down the neuron and prompts the release of neurotransmitters (chemicals in the brain) at the pre-synaptic terminal from tiny sacs called synaptic vesicles.
These chemicals are then released into the synaptic fluid in the synapse.
The adjacent neuron must then quickly take up the neurotransmitter from the fluid and convert them to an electrical impulse to travel down the neuron to the next pre-synaptic terminal.
So, the impulse continues to be transmitted on.
This occurs at high speed.

Answer 6

Neurotransmitters can be divided into those that perform an excitatory function and those that perform an inhibitory function

Question 7

Outline the structures and processes involved in synaptic transmission (6 marks).
Initially, the electrical nerve impulse travels down the neuron and prompts the release of neurotransmitters (chemicals in the brain) at the pre-synaptic terminal from tiny sacs called synaptic vesicles.
These chemicals are then released into the synaptic fluid in the synapse.
The adjacent neuron must then quickly take up the neurotransmitter from the fluid and convert them to an electrical impulse to travel down the neuron to the next pre-synaptic terminal.
So, the impulse continues to be transmitted on.
This occurs at high speed.
Neurotransmitters can be divided into those that perform an excitatory function and those that perform an inhibitory function.

Answer 7

Excitatory potentials make it more likely for the neuron to fire, whereas inhibitory potentials make it less likely for the neuron to fire