Biopsychology - Synaptic transmission Flashcards
How are signals within neurons transmitted?
Electrically
How are signals between neurons transmitted?
Chemically
What are the chemical signals known as?
Neurotransmitters
What functions can neurotransmitters have?
An excitatory or inhibitory function
Why can the chemical message only travel in one direction?
Because of the structures in the pre and post synaptic membranes
Where does the axon carry the vesicle with the neurotransmitter?
To the presynaptic nerve terminal
Where does the vesicle release the neurotransmitter?
At the presynaptic neurons membrane
After the neurotransmitters diffuse across the synapse, what does it bind to?
The receptor site on the post synaptic neurons membrane
What happens if the signal from the neurotransmitter is excitatory?
An electrical signal is generated and passes along the neuron
What happens if the signal from the neurotransmitter is inhibitory?
No action potential is generated
What is excitation?
A neurotransmitter increases the positive charge of the postsynaptic neuron
What is an example of an excitation neurotransmitter?
Adrenaline
What is inhibition?
A neurotransmitter that increases the negative charge of the postsynaptic neuron
What is an example of an inhibition neurotransmitter?
Serotonin
