Synaptic Transmission Flashcards
what is synaptic transmission
the process by which one neuron communicates with another
what is neural networks
its how Neurons communicate with each other within groups
are neurons separated
yes
what are neurons seperated by
the synapse
what is a synapse
a tiny gap between neurons where the neurons are connected
how are signals within the neurons transmitted
electrinoically
how are signals between neurons transmitted (across the synapses)
chemically
what is the presynaptic terminal
the end of the neuron
what does the electrical transmitters trigger when it reaches the presynaptic terminal
it triggers the release of neurotransmitters from the synaptic vesicles
what are synaptic vesicles
tiny sacs in the presynaptic terminal
how many directions can an impulse take
1
what happens once the neurotransmitter crosses the synapse
it gets taken up by a postsynaptic receptor site to go to the next neuron
where is the post synaptic receptor site located
at the end of the synapse
what are neurotransmitters
chemicals that diffuse across the synapses to the next neuron in the chain
what are two common neurotransmitters in psychology
acetylcholine and serotonin
where is acetylcholine found and what does it do
where a motor neuron meets a muscle - causing muscles to contract
what does serotonin do
Affects mood and social behaviours
what is excitation
when a neurotransmitter increases the + charge of the postsynaptic neuron therefore increasing action potential
what is inhibition
when a neurotransmitter increases the - charge of the postsynaptic neuron therefore decreasing action potential
what does excitation do in terms of mood
linked to active mood and emotions
what does inhibition do in terms of mood
helps control mood
what is the sum of excitatory and inhibitory influences
action potential
in order for the action potential of the postsynaptic neuron to be triggered, what is needed
Excitatory and inhibitory influences to be summed together and reach a certain threshold
