synaptic transmission? Flashcards
first stage?
The action potential (electrical impulse) is triggered and travels down the axon hillock of a neuron. and towards the Axon terminal.
second stage?
when the action potential meets with the pre-synaptic neuron at the axon terminal, it is met with vesicles, which merge with the action potential.
third stage?
the action potential is then converted into a chemical messenger known as neurotransmitters, in order for it too pass through the synapse.
fourth stage?
the vescels release the neurotransmitter and they diffuse through the synaptic gap, and towards the post synaptic neuron where they are met with receptors.
fifth stage?
the receptors convert the neurotransmitter back into electrical impulses, (action potential) and this process is repeated until the message reaches the brain.
what is a neuron?
a neuron is a piece of nervous tissue. it is a cell which process and transmits electrical info around the body
what is cell body?
- contain genetic material and mitochondria which provides energy
what are dendrites?
- spiky branches off the neuron and to receive info and signal that axon hillock.
axon hillock?
where the nerve impulse is triggered from.
axon?
- transmits info to other cells
mylien sheath?
layers of fatty deposits which help speed up the rate of transmission
axon terminal?
- end of the axon separated by the synapse
what did Jovanovic find?
- when looking at PET scans he found differences in the synaptic receptors related to serotonin of women with pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder, providing evidence that synaptic transmission, involving NT relates to mood increasing depression.
what is a strength of the way this theory is tested?
- it uses scientific methods such as scans, which a credible and also likely to produce valid/reliable results due to the high controls and standardised procedure
what is a weakness of NT’s ?
- can often use animal studies to test for certain theories which may have problems with generalisability
