synaptic transmission

Question 1

a synapse

Answer 1

each neuron is separated from the next by a gap called the synapse

Question 2

the process of synaptic transmission

Answer 2

1. the electrical impulse travels down the axon, at the end of the axon there are sacs called vesicles
2. vesicles contain neurotransmitters when the electrical impulse reaches vesicles it causes them to release contents across synapse
3. neurotransmitters diffuse across the synaptic cleft
4. in the post-synaptic neuron the neurotransmitters bind to the receptors and are converted back to an electrical impulse to travel down next neuron

Question 3

synapse - lock and key system

Answer 3

when the correct key (neurotransmitter) meets the correct lock (receptor) a specific membrane is opened, ions flow through the membrane causing an action potential - can be either excitatory or inhibitory

normal brain function relies on a balance between the 2 - if not balanced = functional problems e.g epilepsy

Question 4

synapse - lock and key system - excitatory

Answer 4

such as noradrenaline

increase the likelihood that an excitatory signal is send to post synaptic neuron which is then more likely to fire (action potential)

Question 5

synapse - lock and key system - inhibitory

Answer 5

such as serotonin.

decrease the likelihood of that neuron firing

responsible for calming the mind