biopsychology- synaptic transmission Flashcards
what is synaptic transmission?
processes where one neuron communicates with another by releasing neurotransmitters to diffuse across the synapse
what is a synapse?
-gap at the end of the axon of one neuron and the dendrite/cell body of the next
what is an action potential?
-electrical impulse
-when a neuron is in a resting state its negatively charged compared to the outside
-when a neuron is activated by a stimulus it becomes positively charged for split second causing AP to travel down the axon
stages of synaptic transmission
- AP travels down axon of the presynaptic neuron
- when reaches the terminal buttons it causes vesicles to migrate and bind with presynaptic membrane triggering neurotransmitters to release
- neurotransmitters diffuse across the synapse and bind with postsynaptic receptors like a lock and key
- once activated receptors produce either excitatory or inhibitory effects on the postsynaptic neuron
- neurotransmitters then released back into the synapse and go through the process of reuptake or are metabolised
what’s the function of serotonin?
regulates mood
what’s the function of dopamine?
gives the feeling of pleasure
what’s the function of GABA?
calming affect on the brain
what’s special about GABA?
only neurotransmitters that is inhibitory
what is meant by inhibition?
‘off switch’
-calms mind and body
-negative charge at postsynaptic membrane will create an inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP) so is LESS likely to fire an AP in the next neuron
what is meant by excitation?
‘on switch’
-positive charge at the post synaptic membrane will create an excitatory post synaptic potential (EPSP) so is MORE likely to fire an AP in the next neuron
what is meant by summation?
net sum of EPSPs and IPSPs that determine whether or not the cell fires
-threshold is -60v for an AP to be fired
