Synaptic Transmission Flashcards
1
Q
What is the synapse?
A
the gap between the presynaptic neuron and post synaptic neuron that electrical impulses must cross
2
Q
What are neurotransmitters?
A
chemicals in the brain
3
Q
Describe the synaptic transmission.
A
- action potential reaches the synaptic vesicles, causing it to release neurotransmitters
- these then are released into the gap between the pre and post synaptic cell
- then it binds with the complementary receptors
- Once it’s met the dendrites of the next neurons it is converted back to an electrical impulse
- Transmission occurs again in the next neuron
4
Q
What are synaptic vesicles?
A
Sacs at the end of the axon containing neurotransmitters
5
Q
What can neurotransmitters be classified into?
A
- inhibitory
- Excitatory
6
Q
What are inhibitory receptors?
*with an example
A
- They are neurotransmitters that bind to the post synaptic receptors, making it negatively charged so it less likely to fires
- This has a calming effect on the mind (induces sleep and filters excitatory signals out)
- When they bind they make inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP)
*one example could be serotonin
7
Q
What are excitatory neurotransmitters
*with an example
A
- Neurotransmitters that cause excitation of the post synaptic neuron
- They do this by increasing their positive charge, causing an excitatory post synaptic potential (EPSP) so they are more likely to fire
