Synaptic Transmission Flashcards
What does it do
Neurons communicate with each other within groups known as neural networks
How are neurons separated from the next neuron
By a Synapse
What does the synapse include
The synaptic cleft- space between each one
Presynaptic terminal
Postsynaptic receptor site
How are signals within neurons transmitted
Electrically
How are signals between neurons transmitted
Chemically by synaptic transmission
What happens when electrical impulses reach the end of a neuron
Triggers release of a neurotransmitter from tiny sacs called synaptic vesicles
What are neurotransmitters
Chemicals that diffuse across the synapse to the next neuron in the chain
What happens when the neuro transmitter
Taken up by post synaptinic receptors site
What happens at the post synaptic receptor site
The chemical message is converted back into an electrical impulse and the process of transmission begins again
What is acetylcholine
Found at each point where motor neuron meets a muscle and upon release causes muscles to contract
How are after affects determined
Through how quickly the presynaptic neuron takes back the neurotransmitter from the synaptic cleft
What is excitation
Increases positive charge of the postsynaptic neuron and increases likelihood that the neuron will fire and pass an electrical impulse eg adrenaline
What is inhibition
Makes the charge of the postsynaptic neurone more negative decreasing the likelihood that the neurone will fire and pass on the electrical impulse eg serotonin
