synaptic transmission Flashcards
What is a synapse?
Space between neurons (synaptic cleft)
Presynaptic and postsynaptic receptor site
How are signals transmitted?
IN neurons - electrically
BETWEEN neurons - chemically by synaptic transmission
How does synaptic transmission begin?
Electrical impulse reaches end of neuron - triggers release of NT from synaptic vesicles
What is a neurotransmitter?
Chemical messenger that diffuses across synapse
Each has specific structure to fit into receptor site
What happens after the neurotransmitter has diffused across the synapse?
Taken up by postsynaptic receptor sites
Converted back into electrical impulse
What is acetylcholine?
ACh
Found where motor neuron meets muscle
Causes muscles to contract on release
What is excitation?
Adrenaline causes excitation of postsynaptic neuron
Increasing it’s positive charge making it more likely to fire
What is inhibition?
Serotonin causes inhibition
Becomes negatively charged and less likely to fire
