synaptic transmission

Question 1

what is meant by the synaptic transmission?

Answer 1

• this is the process of transmitting messages from neuron to neuron

Question 2

what is the synapse ?

Answer 2

• the gap between neurons through which the electrical impulse is transmitted chemically

Question 3

what do some neurotransmitters cause?

Answer 3

• some cause excitation of the post synaptic neuron which make sit more likely to fire

Question 4

what do other neurotransmitters cause ?

Answer 4

others cause inhibition of the post synaptic neuron which makes it less likely to fire

Question 5

what is meant by summation ?

Answer 5

the addition of positive and negative post synaptic potentials

Question 6

what occurs during summation ?

Answer 6

• a nerve cell can receive both positive and negative potentials simultaneously
• these potentials are summed and if the net effect of the post synaptic neuron is inhibitory, the neuron will be less likely to fire
• if the net effect is excitory the neuron will be more likely to fire

Question 7

why can info only travel in 1 direction ?

Answer 7

• the synaptic vesicle containing the neurotransmitter are only present on/ received from the presynaptic membrane
• the receptors for the neurotransmitters are only present on the post synaptic membrane
• it is the binding of the neurotransmitter to the receptor which enables the signal/info to be passed / transmitted onto the next neuron
• diffusion of the neurotransmitters means they can only go from high to low conc.