Synaptic Transmission

Question 1

Synaptic transmission

Answer 1

The process by which neighbouring neurons communicate with each other by sending chemical messages across the synaptic cleft that separates them.

Question 2

Neurotransmitters

Answer 2

Brain chemicals released from synaptic vesicles that relay signals across the synapse from one neuron to another. Neurotransmitters can be broadly divided into those that perform an inhibitory or an excitatory function.

Question 3

Excitation

Answer 3

When a neurotransmitter, such as adrenaline, increases the positive charge of the postsynaptic neuron. This increases the likelihood that the neuron will fire and pass on the electrical impulse.

Question 4

Inhibition

Answer 4

When a neurotransmitter, such as serotonin, makes the charge of the postsynaptic neuron more negative. This decreases the likelihood that the neuron will fire and pass on the electrical signal.

Question 5

Synapse

Answer 5

The junction between two neurons. This includes the presynaptic neuron, the synaptic cleft, and the postsynaptic receptor site

Question 6

Synaptic cleft

Answer 6

The space between the pre-synaptic and post-synaptic neuron.

Question 7

Synaptic vesicle

Answer 7

Small sacs on the end of a pre-synaptic neuron that contain neurotransmitters that will be released into a synapse.

Question 8

Pre-synaptic neuron

Answer 8

The transmitting neuron, before the synaptic cleft.

Question 9

Post-synaptic neuron

Answer 9

The neuron that is receiving the information at the synapse

Question 10

Post-synaptic receptor site

Answer 10

A receptor on the post-synaptic neuron. A neurotransmitter locks into a specific receptor on the post-synaptic neuron and this triggers an electrical impulse in the post-synaptic neuron.