Steps of Synaptic Transmission (regular)

Question 1

Synaptic transmission

Answer 1

Passing the signal to the next neuron

Question 2

Step 1

Answer 2

Action potential arrives at the end of the axon (axon terminal)

Question 3

Step 2

Answer 3

Calcium channels open and calcium ions rush into the axon terminal

Question 4

Step 3

Answer 4

Calcium ions interact with vesicles (containing a neurotransmitter) stored in the axon terminal, causing them to migrate to and fuse w the membrane of the axon terminal

Question 5

Step 4

Answer 5

Neurotransmitter is released (by exocitosis) into the synaptic cleft and diffuses across the cleft

Question 6

Step 5

Answer 6

Neurotransmitters bind to receptor proteins on the postsynaptic membrane

Question 7

Step 6

Answer 7

Binding of neurotransmitter causes ions to open (changes 3degree structure
Na+ ions rush in the postsynaptic cell (causing depolarization)
OR
Cl- ions rush into the post synaptic cell (causing hyperpolarization)

Question 8

Step 7

Answer 8

Enzymes break down neurotransmitters into two or more fragments (ion channels close on postsynaptic membrane) and their pieces diffuse back into a presynaptic neuron (reabsorption) to be assembled in vesicles again