Process of synaptic transmission Flashcards
Where does synaptic transmission begin
Presynaptic neuron
What is sent down the axons at the beginning
Action potentials( electrical nerve impulses)
What causes the neurotransmitter to be released
The action potentials reaching the pre synaptic terminal
Where are the neurotransmitter released to
Synaptic cleft
What diffuse across the synapse
Neurotransmitter
What do neurotransmitter bind to
Specific receptors site on the postsynaptic neuron
What are two outcome once enough neurotransmitter have bind to the receptors
The next neuron is ready to fire depending on whether the neurotransmitter has an excitatory or inhibitory effect
Reuptake- the neurotransmitter are reabsorbed and recycled to be stored in vesicles on the presynaptic neuron
Describe the process of synaptic transmission
begins in the presynaptic neuron
Action potentials are sent down the axon till they reach the presynaptic terminal
This cause neurotransmitter to be released into the synaptic cleft
Neurotransmitter diffuse across the synapse
Bind to specific receptor sites on postsynaptic neuron
Once enough neurotransmitter have bind with the specific receptor there are two possible outcomes
The next neuron is ready to fire depending on whether the neurotransmitter has an excitatory or inhibitory effect
Reuptake- the neurotransmitter are reabsorbed and recycled to be stored in vesicles on the presynaptic neuron
Raoul has recently been prescribed a drug for a mental illness. He looks on the internet to find out more about the drug but he does not understand the phrase ‘synaptic transmission’.
Write a brief explanation of synaptic transmission in the brain to help Raoul understand how his drug might work. (3 marks )
During synaptic transmission neurotransmitters (chemicals) are released from the vesicle on the presynaptic neuron into the synaptic cleft and diffuse across synapse; these bind with the specific receptors on the postsynaptic neuron. Once enough neurotransmitters have bind with the specific receptors then the neighboring neuron is ready to fire depending on if the neurotic has an excitatory or inhibitory effect. If the neurotransmitter has an excitatory effect it increase the likelihood of next neuron firing for example noradrenaline. Where as,if it had an inhibitory effect it decrease the likelihood of next neuron firing which decreases brain activity in the central nervous system. One example of inhibitory neurotransmitter is serotonin, a hormone that helps maintain a constant mood and affect our sleep/wake cycle and appetite. Raoul recent prescribe drug for mental health will increase or decrease the transmission of the neurotransmitter across the synapse to increase his levels of serotonin to improve his mood and sleep/wake cycle
Outline the structures and processes involved in synaptic transmission (6 marks)
Outline the structures and processes involved in synaptic transmission (6 marks)
Synaptic transmission begins at the presynaptic neuron where action potential ( an electrical nerve impulse) travels down the axon until it reaches the presynaptic neuron terminal. This stimulates neurotransmitters (chemicals) to be released from the vesicle on the presynaptic neuron to synaptic cleft. These neurotransmitter diffuse across synapse and binds with specific receptor sites on the postsynaptic neuron. Once enough neurotransmitter have bind with their specific receptors,there are two possible outcome that can occur, the next neuron is ready to fire depending on if the neurotransmitter had a excitatory or inhibitory effect will determine the likelihood of this happening or reuptake happen this is where the neurotransmitter is reabsorbed and recycle to be stored in the vesicle in the presynaptic neuron.
