Synaptic Transmission

Question 1

What is a synaptic transmission?

Answer 1

The process for transmitting messages from neuron to neuron

Question 2

What is a neurotransmitter?

Answer 2

Chemicals that diffuse across the synapse to the next neuron in the chain

Question 3

Describe the process of synaptic transmission

Answer 3

The nerve impulse travels down the axon. The nerve impulse reaches the synaptic terminal. This triggers the release of neurotransmitters. The neurotransmitters are fired into the synaptic gap. Neurotransmitters bind with receptors on the dendrite of the adjacent neuron. If successfully transmitted the neurotransmitters is taken up by the post synaptic neuron. The message will continue to be passed in this way via electrical impulses

Question 4

What is excitation?

Answer 4

The post synaptic neuron increases its positive charge and making it more likely to fire

Question 5

What is inhibition?

Answer 5

The neuron becomes more negatively charged and less likely to fire