Bio psychology the process of synaptic transmission

Question 1

what is the definition of synaptic transmission ?

Answer 1

The process by which neighbouring neurons communicate with each other by sending neurotransmitters across the gap ( the synapse) that separates them

Question 2

what are neurotransmitters?

Answer 2

Brain chemicals that are released from synaptic vesicles that relay signals across the synapse from one neuron to another.
- neurotransmitters can be divided into those that perform excitatory functions or inhibitory function.

Question 3

what is the step to step process of synaptic transmission ?

Answer 3

1. electrical impulses reach the presynaptic terminal
2. electrical impulses trigger release of neurotransmitters
3. neurotransmitters cross the gap( synapse) from vesicles
4. neurotransmitters combine with receptor on the post synaptic membrane
5. stimulation of postsynaptic receptors by the neurotransmitters result in excitation or inhibition of the post synaptic membrane.

Question 4

why can information travel one way at a synapse in synaptic transmission ?

Answer 4

1. the synaptic vesicle containing the neurotransmitters are only present on the presynaptic membrane.
2. neurotransmitters are only released from the presynaptic membrane.
   3.the receptors for the neurotransmitters are only present on the post synaptic membrane
3. it is the binding of the neurotransmitters to the receptor which enables the information to be passed on to the next neuron.

Question 5

what is the definition of excitatory neurotransmission ?

Answer 5

INCREASE the positive charge of the post synaptic neuron. This increases the likelihood that the neuron will fire and pass on the electrical impulse.
analogy- accelerator of a car

Question 6

what is the definition of inhibitory neurotransmission ?

Answer 6

increase the negative charge of the post synaptic neuron. This decreases the likelihood that the neuron will fire and pass on the electrical impulse.
analogy- brake of a car

Question 7

what is summation in synaptic transmission?

Answer 7

The net effect of the negatively charged (inhibitory neurotransmitters )and positively charged( excitatory neurotransmitters ) post synaptic neurons.
- adding them up to find out if the neuron will be more or less likely to fire.