L9: Neurons & Neuronal: Synapses Flashcards
Function of a synapse
Allows a neuron to pass an electrical or chemical signal to another neuron
3 types of synapses
1) Axodendritic
2) Axosomatic
3) Axoaxonic
What is an axosomatic synapse?
Axon of 1 neuron attaches to the cell body of another neuron
What is an axodendritic synapse?
Axon of 1 neuron terminates on the dendrite of another neuron
What is an axoaxonic synapse?
Axons of 2 different neurons meet
What is a graded potential?
Changes in membrane potential graded depending on strength of stimulus
What is spatial summation of synaptic communication based on?
Location
What is temporal summation of synaptic communication based on?
Relying how quickly a nerve fires
How many nerves are involved in temporal summation?
1 or 2
What happens if 2 nerves in temporal summation fire at different times?
No AP triggered
What is an excitatory synapse?
AP in presynaptic neuron increases probability of an AP occurring in a postsynaptic cell
What happens in 2 nerves in temporal summation fire at the same time?
Fire an AP
What is an inhibitory synapse?
Make AP less likely to fire by hyperpolarising the post-synaptic membrane
What is an excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP)?
Postsynaptic potential that makes postsynaptic neuron more likely to fire an AP
What is an inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP)?
Makes postsynaptic neuron less likely to generate an AP
