Neurotransmission 2 Flashcards
Describe the process of neurotransmission
process by which neurons communicate with each other to send signals throughout the brain and body.
where does neurotransmission occur
at the synapse
what is the synapse
it is a small gap between two neurons
What initiates neurotransmission
action pontential: electrical impulse
where does the action potential travel to
reaches the axon terminal of a neuron
What happens when the action potential reaches the axon terminal
it triggers the release of neurotransmitters from vesicles into the synaptic cleft
What occurs at the synaptic cleft
the neurotransmitters bind to receptor sites on the dendrites of receiving neuron
Depending on the type of neurotransmitter, the signal may be:
excitatory/ inhibitory
explain the differences in excitatory and inhibitory
E: increasing the lieklihood that the neuron will fire
I: reducing the likelihood of firing
After the neurotransmitter has sent its signal what happens to it
- broken down by enzymes
- Re-uptake reabsorbed by the presynaptic neuron through uptake
- diffused away
Outline why neurotransmittion is essential
It is essential for brain function and behaviour playing a key role in learning, memory, and emotions
example/ name one neurotransmitter and explain what it does
acetylcholine: involved in memory formation
