Fight or Flight/Synaptic Transmission

Question 1

What is synaptic transmission?

Answer 1

Process for neighbouring neurons communicating with each other by sending chemical messages across the synpatic gap.

Question 2

Write/speak the process of synaptic transmission.

Answer 2

1- When the nerve impulse travels down the axon it arrives at the pre-synaptic terminal
2- Vesicles release their neurotransmitters across the synapse
3-This chemical then locks into the special post synaptic receptor sites of the adjacent neuron (the chemical message is converted back into an electrical impulse)
4-Enzymes are released to break down the excess neurotransmitter. Or excess neurotransmitters are reabsorbed by the synaptic terminals from which it was released
5-Vesicles are replenished with new & reused neurotransmitters ready for the next impulse

Question 3

What happens when a neurotransmitter is excitatory?

Answer 3

Increase the likelihood that the neuron will fire (e.g adrenaline)

Question 4

What happens when a neurotransmitter is inhibitory?

Answer 4

There will be a decreased likelihood of the neuron firing.

Question 5

What is summation?

Answer 5

The excitatory and inhibitory influences are summed. If the total/net effect on the post synaptic neuron is inhibitory (i.e., negative in total) then the neuron is less likely to fire. If the total/net effect is excitatory (i.e. positive in total), the neuron will be more likely to fire.

Question 6

Which branch of the NS kicks in when the body perceives a stressor (fight or flight)?

Answer 6

Sympathetic NS (section of the autonomic nervous system)

Question 7

Name some bodily symptoms you may have during fight or flight.

Answer 7

Heart rate increases, increased breathing rate for lungs, pupils dilate, reduction of essential digestive functions.

Question 8

What system returns the body back to normal after fight or flight (known as rest and digest)?

Answer 8

Parasympathetic.