Synaptic Transmission

Question 1

Synaptic Transmission

Answer 1

the process by which neighbouring neurons communicate with each other by sending chemical messages across the synapse.

Question 2

Neurotransmitters

Answer 2

messages can only travel one way because neurotransmitters are released from presynaptic terminal and received at postsynaptic terminal so only receptors for neurotransmitters at postsynaptic receptor site. Each has specific molecular structure that fits perfectly into receptor site.

Question 3

Summation

Answer 3

neurotransmitters have an excitatory or inhibitory effect. Whether a postsynaptic neuron fires is decided through summation, if the summation is more excitatory charges, then it is more likely to fire, if more inhibitory charges it is less likely to fire.

Question 4

Process of Synaptic Transmission

Answer 4

Messages between neurons are sent chemically via neurotransmitters. The electrical impulse will travel through the neuron until it reaches the end point, the presynaptic terminal where it triggers the release of neurotransmitters from the synaptic vessels. They then diffuse across the synapse, and reach the postsynaptic receptor site. The chemical message is then converted back into an electrical impulse to travel through the neuron.