Synaptic Transmission Flashcards
What do synaptic vesicles do?
Store neurotransmitters
What are active zones?
The site of neurotransmitter release
What is convergence?
Many presynaptic terminals connect to form synapses on a single postsynaptic neurone
What is divergence?
Single presynaptic neurons form connections on many different postsynaptic neurons.
What is glutamate?
The most abundant excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. Present in all cells. Acts as a signaller.
What is GABA?
An inhibitory neurotransmitter synthesised only by neurons that release them. Counteracts action of excitatory neurotransmitters
What is glycine?
An inhibitory neurotransmitter of the spinal cord
What is exocytosis?
Release of neurotransmitter, requires voltage gated calcium channels to open.
What is a quanta?
The smallest unit in which transmitter is released
What is temporal summation?
Rapid succession at the same synapse
What is spatial summation?
Generated at more than one synapse on the same cell
What are autoreceptors?
The receptor recognises the transmitter that is released from that terminal
What are heteroreceptors?
Recognises other transmitters which are different from the one released at the terminal.
