Synaptic Transmission

Question 1

Explain the process of synaptic transmission

Answer 1

1. The action potential travels to the pre-synaptic terminal
2. Neurotransmitter release from vesicles is triggered by action potential
3. Neurotransmitter travels across the synaptic gap
4. Reuptake causes some neurotransmitter to return to vesicle
5. The neurotransmitter reaches receptor cells in the post-synaptic neuron and triggers the release of another action-potential
6. The new action potential travels down dendrite

Question 2

How do stimulants work?

Answer 2

They prevent reuptake and force all neurotransmitter to bind to post-synaptic neuron

Question 3

How do depressants work?

Answer 3

They bind to receptor cells and prevent neurotransmitters binding to post-synaptic neuron

Question 4

What are excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters? What are these known as?

Answer 4

Excitatory neurotransmitters make the post synaptic cells more likely to fire (EPSPs)

Inhibitory neurotransmitters make the post synaptic cells less likely to fire (IPSPs)