Synaptic Transmission

Question 1

What is synaptic transmission?

Answer 1

The process by which one neuron communicates with another via electrical impulses

Question 2

Describe the process of synaptic transmission.

Answer 2

1. Info is passed down the axon of the neuron via action potential
2. Action potential reaches the end of te axon and crosses a gap called the synaptic cleft (a gap between the pre and post synaptic neuron)
3. The end of the pre-synaptic neuron is called the axon terminal, where synaptic vesicles are located
4. Synaptic vesicles contain neurotransmitters, are these are released once the action potential reaches the vesicles
5. Neurotransmitters then carry the action potential along the synaptic cleft
6. They bind to receptor sites on the post-synaptic cell that then become activated

Question 3

What are the 2 types of effects that can be released on the post-synaptic cell?

Answer 3

Excitatory
Inhibitory

Question 4

What is an excitatory potential?

Answer 4

A potential that causes an electrical charge making the post-synaptic cell more likely to fire

Question 5

What is an inhibitory potential?

Answer 5

A potential that makes a post-synaptic cell less likely to fire