Synaptic Transmission

Question 1

define synapse

Answer 1

a gap between the terminals and the dendrites or between two different neurons

Question 2

define reuptake

Answer 2

when a neurotransmitter is absorbed back into the presynaptic neuron (being reused)

Question 3

define presynaptic neuron

Answer 3

neuron that is sending the message

Question 4

define post synaptic neuron

Answer 4

a neuron that is receiving the message

Question 5

define vesicles

Answer 5

tiny ‘bubbles’ inside the presynaptic terminal where the neurotransmitter is, before being released

Question 6

define neurotransmitter

Answer 6

chemical messenger that acts in between neurons in the brain, allowing the brain to process thoughts and memories.

Question 7

What is the process of synaptic transmission?

Answer 7

A neurotransmitter is released into the synaptic gap to be picked up by dendrite receptors or taken up for re-use

Question 8

What is the role of a neurotransmitter?

Answer 8

To carry messages from one neuron to another

Question 9

What happens if a neurotransmitter does not get picked up by a receptor?

Answer 9

The message is said to be ‘blocked’ and the neurotransmitter is left in the synaptic gap to be taken up by the re-uptaker

Question 10

How can one think of a receptor?

Answer 10

Like locks: if a neurotransmitter fits, the message is passed on - if not, it is blocked

Question 11

How do you know if a neurotransmitter ‘fits’ with a particular receptor?

Answer 11

The chemical make-up of some neurotransmitters show differences which help explain how different receptors and neurotransmitters may match

Question 12

What is the simplest way of sending messages?

Answer 12

A neurotransmitter leaves the terminal, fits a receptor of a dendrite and passes on messages through its action potential

Question 13

What is the purpose of reuptake?

Answer 13

it regulates how many neurotransmitters there are at any one time within the synaptic gap, and therefore regulates how many messages there are as well as recycling neurotransmitters so they have a useful function

Question 14

What are transport proteins?

Answer 14

They pick up neurotransmitters and enable them to be be reabsorbed into the presynaptic neuron

Question 15

What is the purpose of a reuptake inhibitor?

Answer 15

It stops the transport proteins from picking up neurotransmitters so they can be reabsorbed, allowing the neurotransmitter to be left for a linger period of time within the synaptic gap, for a prolonged message

Question 16

What are some different types of neurotransmitters?

Answer 16

GABA
Norepinephrine

Dopamine
Serotonin
Acetylcholine

Question 17

What is GABA?

Answer 17

(C4H9NO2) is an inhibitor of messages, calming firing nerves and aiding relaxation. Low levels of this neurotransmitter can lead to anxiety and epilepsy but it also has roles such as helping with the control over the motor system.

Question 18

What is norepinephrine?

Answer 18

(C8H11NO3) affects attention and prepares the flight or fight response. ADHD sufferers may be prescribed this.

Question 19

What is Acetylcholine?

Answer 19

(C7H16O2) links memory, thinking, and learning - damage to these areas is linked to Alzheimer’s Disease.

Question 20

What is dopamine?

Answer 20

(C8H11NO2) is associated with pleasure and addiction.

Question 21

What is glutamate?

Answer 21

(C5H9NO4) is associated with cognitive functioning, but in large quantities, it can result in stroke or even death.

Question 22

What is one strength of the synaptic transmission argument?

Answer 22

PET scanning was used by Jovanovic (2008) to look at the serotonin system in women as it was said it was more linked to Depression than Women. It looked at women with PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) and whether there was a difference between them and the control group. Scanning was conducted both before and after ovulation. Those without PMDD experienced a change/difference in their synaptic receptors. It was concluded that serotonin does play a role in PMDD. It also suggests that there is evidence to link synaptic transmission to mood.

Question 23

What is a study that shows a weakness of the synaptic transmission argument?

Answer 23

Allen and Stevens (1994) stated that synaptic transmission with the hippocampus neurons was unreliable. Less than half of neurotransmitters are received. This may be due to issues with the release mechanism in the low capacity synapses. But this is not enough evidence to suggest synaptic transmission isn’t involved in messaging, but enough to suggest that there are many other factors that are also involved.

Question 24

What are some weaknesses of the synaptic transmission argument?

Answer 24

Much of our evidence comes from our studies from animals, where lesions are made (damaging the brain). This is considered as human brains are much different to animals.

Question 25

What is Serotonin?

Answer 25

(C10N12N2O) is associated with happiness and good moods. Low levels of this neurotransmitter have been linked to indicate depression and anxiety.

Question 26

define synapse

Answer 26

the junction between two neurons

Question 27

define synaptic transmission

Answer 27

the process in which one neuron signals to another neuron to increase or decrease its firing rate.

Question 28

define presynaptic membrane

Answer 28

the end structure of a neuron, where action potentials stop, and chemical signals are sent out.

Question 29

define postsynaptic membrane

Answer 29

the areas on a neuron’s dendrites, where chemical signals are received from other neurons.

Question 30

define synaptic gap

Answer 30

the space between the presynaptic and postsynaptic membrane. It is filled with fluid.

Question 31

what research methods are used to understand synaptic transmission?

Answer 31

Studies using non-human animals have been used to understand the basic processes of synaptic transmission.