Chapter 13 Synapses Flashcards
1
Q
What is a synapse?
A
- Specialized site of contact between a neuron and another neuron or effector.
- cells that respond to neural stimulation
2
Q
What is a synapse’s function?
A
- Synaptic transmission: The rapid and transient transmission of a signal across the synaptic cleft. (communication)
- Synaptic plasticity: The ability to change the functional properties of synapses. (malleable;ability to change)
3
Q
The types of synpases are?
A
- electrical- direct
- chemical- a space has to be crossed (synaptic cleft)
4
Q
Electrical Synapse
A
- These are less common (vertebrate retina, some sensory receptors)
- The neurons are connected by a specialized protein structure called a gap junction which allows direct flow of cytoplasm (including ions) between cells
- bidirectional
5
Q
Electrical Synapse: gap junction
A
6
Q
Stimulus only goes in one direction…? idk
a —> b yes
b —> a no
A
7
Q
Chemical Synapse
A
- not directly connected and no sharing of cytosol
- synaptic vesicles hold neurotransmitters
8
Q
Chemical Synapse: Neurotransmitter Release
A
9
Q
Chemical Synapse: Neurotransmitter Release contin
A
10
Q
5 criteria to be a neurotransmitters
A
- Must be in presynaptic terminal
- Including all components for synthesis
- Must be released when stimulated
- In sufficient amounts for a response
- Addition to extracellular fluid produces a response similar to neural stimulation
- A removal mechanism should exist
- The effects of drugs must be similar to and consistent with their effect on experimental application of the candidate neurotransmitters
11
Q
Neurotransmitter Classification system 1
A
- Ionotropic: fast, direct
- Metabotropic: slow, indirect
12
Q
Neurotransmitter Classification system 2
A
- Small molecule
- Neuroactive peptides
13
Q
Neurotransmitter Classification system 3
A
- Most CNS synapses use amino acid NTs
- Fast EPSPs from glutamate
- Fast ISPs: GABA or glycine
- Biogenic amines
- Ach, NE, DA, 5-HT
- Peptides
- Co-released with other NTs
14
Q
Signal reception
A
provides a means for the cell to detect a signal
15
Q
Signal transduction
A
a mechanism of modifying intracellular activity in response to a signal