Neurophysiology Part 2 Flashcards
What is the synaptic transmission?
It is essentially how neurons communicate
What is the 5 criteria an NT must meet to be considered an NT?
- Synthesized within the neuron
- Must be present in the presynaptic terminal
- It must be released from the terminal in a calcium dependent way
- Specific receptors exist on the postsynaptic neuron
- termination mechanisms exist
What is the term for neurotransmitter release?
Exocytosis
What are the 3 components of a synapse?
- Presynaptic Cleft, the release zone
- postsynaptic Cleft, the receptive zone
- Synaptic cleft
Outline the process of Neurotransmitter release (exocytosis)
- An action potential activates the voltage gated calcium channel and Ca + enters the cell
- Calcium caused omega formation to form and release the NT
- NT travel across the synaptic cleft and bind to receptors on the PS membrane
4, Binding of Nt to respective rectors causes an IPSP or and EPSP in postsynaptic neuron
What ion is important in the exocytosis of NTs? Why is it important?
Calcium because there are voltage gated ion channels that are required for the release of the Neurotransmitter
What are the ways in which a synaptic transmission can be terminated?
- Degradation
2. Termination
Outline what it means for a NT to be degraded?
It is broken down or apart into inactive components by specific enzymes
Outline what reuptake means for a NT ?
the NT molecules are drawn back up into the presynaptic neuron by transporters and are then recycled back into the vesicles
Can you name of the different types of receptors?
- Autoreceptors
- Heteroreceptors
- ionotropic and metabotropic receptors
What is a neuromodulator?
Substances that don’t directly activate an ion channel but enhance the Excitatory or inhibitory responses
