Synapse And Neurotransmitters Flashcards
What is a synapse
The gap between one neuron and another where chemical or electrical signals are sent
How are the membranes of each neuron connected to one another for electrical synapses
They are very close and connected by channels
How are the membranes of each neuron connected to one another for chemical synapses
By the requirement of neurotransmitters to propagate the signal across the gap
How do neurotransmitters release the action potential to the next neuron
The vesicles containing the neurotransmitters fuse with plasma membrane to release the neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft (the gap) then they bind to the receptors
What allows the vesicles to fuse to the membrane
The calcium as the change in voltage opens gated calcium channels releasing the calcium
What are the 2 ways the neurotransmitter receptor propagates the message
Being an ion channel itself
Influencing the production of chemical messengers
What does an excitatory synapse do
Propagate the depolarisation of the membrane to the next neuron
What does inhibitory synapses do
Makes the post synaptic neuron less likely to generate an action potential by hyperpolarising the membrane
What type of neurotransmitter do cholinergic synapses release
Acetylcholine
What is the acetylcholine function
At the neuromuscular junction it is excitatory
In the autonomic nervous system and in memory
What neurotransmitter does the GABAergic synapse release
GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid)
What is the function of GABA
Binds to its receptor causing hyperpolarisation of the post synaptic membrane
What neurotransmitter does adrenergic release
Norepinephrine (noradrenaline)
What does norepinephrine do
Stimulates the sympathetic nervous system to prepare fight or flight response
What neurotransmitter does glutamatergic synapse release
Glutamate
