Synapse Flashcards
What is the name of the suporting cells of the nervous system and what is their role?
Glia cells
-Astrocyte->clean up the cell, nutrients to cell, repared damaged
-Microglia->immune system for the brain
-Oligodendrocytes->create Myelin sheath (Myelination) to speed up the message
How do we call the exposed part of an axon?
The node of Ranvier
What is the saltatory conduction?
It’s the conduction of an action potential by myelinated axons.
Where is located a synapse?
Between an axon terminal (pre-synaptic neuron) and the post-synaptic neuron
What are the ion channels responsible for the release of neurotransmitters?
The Voltage-gated calcium channels
What are the main neurotransmitter receptors involved in the synapse?
Receptor protein
-Ionotropic receptors->ligand-gated ion channel
-metabotropic receptors->trigger an intracellular signaling cascade, g-protein coupled receptors, give cell more control, massive effect of EPSP or IPSP
What is the binding site?
The location of encounter for ligand (signaling molecules) and receptor protein
How does the termination of postsynaptic potential take place?
-Enzymatic deactivation->destruction of neurotransmitters by enzymes
-Reuptake->Rentry of neurotransmitters across the membrane on the presynaptic cell
What are the two different kinds of postsynaptic potentials ?
-The Excitatory Postsynaptic Potential EPSP->depolarization of the postsynaptic membrane with the opening of sodium channels
-Inhibitory Postsynaptic Potential (IPSP)->Hyperpolarization of the postsynaptic membrane with the opening of chloride channels
Synapses are found between an axon terminal and…
-dendrites
-dendrites spines
-soma (powerful action potential)
-Axon terminals (axoaxonic synapses)
What are the two types of axoaxonic synapses?
-Presynaptic inhibition->hyperpolarize the axon terminal and reduce the release of neurotransmitters
-Presynaptic facilitation->depolarize the axon terminal and increase the release of neurotransmitters
