Biopsychology - Chemical Transmissions

Question 1

How do neurons communicate with each other?

Answer 1

In groups otherwise known as neural networks.

Question 2

What is the difference between transmissions along neurons and transitions between neurons?

Answer 2

Transmissions along neurons are transmitted electrically where as transmissions between neurons are transmitted chemically.

Question 3

How to neurons communicate across synapses?

Answer 3

The electrical impulse reaches the end of the neuron, presynaptic terminal, it then triggers the release of neurotransmitter from tiny sacs called synaptic vesicles. This then travels across the gap and is received on the other side of the synapse by the post synaptic receptor site, prompting the release of another electric impulses.

Question 4

What is a neurotransmitter and how do the characteristics and functions differ?

Answer 4

A neurotransmitter is a chemical that the diffuses across synapses to the next neuron. Each individual neurotransmitter has its own specific molecular structure and fits perfectly into a post synaptic receptor site, they all have specialist functions.

Question 5

What are the two classification of neurotransmitters?

Answer 5

They are either excitatory or inhibitory to the next neuron.

Question 6

What do inhibitory neurotransmitters do?

Answer 6

They cause the next neuron to become more negatively charged so less likely to fire. For example serotonin.

Question 7

What do excitatory neurotransmitters do?

Answer 7

They make the next neuron more positively charged and therefore more likely to fire. For example adrenaline.