Neuronal Synapses Flashcards
What are the two types of Neuronal Synapses?
- Chemical
- Electric
Describe Chemical Synapses
They have gaps that allow for neurotransmitters to travel across
Electric Synapses have synapses in which
Cells are physically connected
Electric Synapses have
Specialized channels that allow for ion travel
Most synapses come into
Dendrites
Neurotransmitter release is due to
Voltage-gated Calcium channels
What happens when AP comes down axon?
The AP changes membrane potential and opens channels
Calcium flows in and increase concentration inside axon terminal when
AP travels down axon
What happens when calcium flows in the axon terminal?
There are changes to proteins on synaptic vesicles, causing them to interact and fuse together
Neurotransmitters function to
Communicate between neurons
Which neurotransmitters are Amino Acid based?
Glutamate, GABA, Glycine
What is the most common excitatory neurotransmitter?
Glutamate
Glutamate causes for
Depolarization of target cells
GABA and Glycine cause for the
Hyperpolarization of target cells
Glycine is common in the
Spinal cord
Opioids are forms of
Peptide-based neurotransmitters
Endorphine is a type of
Opioid
Opioids allow for us to
Perceive pain
What are Monoamine Neurotransmitters?
Organic molecules with an amino group connected to aromatic group
Monoamine Neurotransmitters allow for functions of the brain like
Cognition, consciousness, attention
What are types of Monoamine Neurotransmitters?
Serotonin, Histamine, Dopamine, Epinephrine, Norepinephrine
Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that
Functions in the CNS and PNS
Acetylcholine is released by
Motor neurons and ANS neurons
What are different categories of Neurotransmitters?
- Amino Acids
- Peptides
- Monoamine Neurotransmitters
