synaptic transmission - synapses and neurotransmitters Flashcards
1
Q
what is a synapse
A
the junction between a two neurones
2
Q
what are the gaps between the cells at a synapse called
A
synaptic cleft
3
Q
what happens when action potentials reach the end of a neurone
A
neurotransmitters are released, these then diffuse across the postsynaptic membrane and bind to specific receptors
4
Q
what happens when neurotransmitters bind to receptors (3 things)
A
trigger an action potential
cause muscle contraction
cause a hormone to be secreted
5
Q
what happens to neurotransmitters after they bind and trigger a response
A
they are removed from the cleft so that the response doesn’t continue to happen
6
Q
what does acetylcholine do
A
binds to cholinergic receptors
7
Q
why do impulses need to be unidirectional
A
receptors are only on the postsynaptic membrane
