Synaptic Transmission

Question 1

what is a neurotransmitter

Answer 1

a chemical messenger that carries, boosts and modulates signals between neurons and other cells in the body

Question 2

excitatory neurotransmitters

Answer 2

have excitatory effects on the neuron- increase the likelihood that the neuron will fire an action potential.
- eg noradrenalin in fight or flight

Question 3

inhibitory neurotransmitters

Answer 3

decrease the likelihood of the neuron firing an action potential.
-eg serotonin in depression

Question 4

process of synaptic transmission

Answer 4

1. an action potential arrives at presynaptic knob in form of electical signal
2. vesicles fuse with membrane of presynaptic knob
3. neurotransmitters are released where they can diffuse across the synaptic cleft
4. neurotransmitters bind with specific receptors found on the outer membrane of post synaptic knob
5. if neurotransmitters are excitatory enough they will bind with their receptors and action potential will be fired
6. neurotransmitters are recycled by re entering the presynaptic knob via reuptake ports so that process can start again

Question 5

drug effect on synaptic transmission

Answer 5

1- block the reuptake (increase, SSRI)
2- mimics natural neurtransmitter (increases the amount of neuro transmitters in cleft)
3- block the receptors ( decreases cos body thinks theres already enough)