synapses

Question 1

what is a synapse

Answer 1

junction between two neurons that transmit an impulse chemically via neurotransmitters

Question 2

when the action potential reaches the pre synaptic neuron what does it cause

Answer 2

voltage gated calcium ion channels to open

Question 3

when calcium ion channels open, where do they move to

Answer 3

calcium ions diffuse into the pre synaptic neuron down their electrochemical gradient

Question 4

what do the calcium ion channels opening trigger

Answer 4

causes synaptic vesicles containing neurotransmitter to move and fuse with pre synaptic membrane via exocytosis and diffuses across to post synaptic membrane

Question 5

what neurotransmitter is commonly used in synapse communication

Answer 5

acetyl choline

Question 6

what does ACH do when it has been released

Answer 6

binds to a receptor on post synaptic membrane which causes sodium ion channels to open

Question 7

why do sodium ion channels open when a neurotransmitter binds with a receptor

Answer 7

to trigger a new action potential

Question 8

what is summation

Answer 8

the idea that a new action potential is only triggered if neurotransmitters have built up to the threshold level

Question 9

what is spatial summation

Answer 9

MULTIPLE pre synaptic neurons release neurotransmitter to trigger a new action potential in ONE post synaptic membrane due to high neural input

Question 10

what is temporal summation

Answer 10

high frequency of action potentials reaches ONE pre synaptic neuron causing high concentrations of neurotransmitter to trigger an action potential