Synaptic Transmittion

Question 1

What is synaptic transmission?

Answer 1

The process where a nerve impulse passes across the synaptic cleft from the presynaptic neuron to the postsynaptic neuron

Question 2

What is a synaptic gap?

Answer 2

The gap between the presynaptic neuron and the postsynaptic neuron in which neurotransmitters pass across

Question 3

What is at the end of an axon?

Answer 3

a number of sacs known as synaptic vesicles that contain neurotransmitters

Question 4

What is the process called when the action potential reaches the synaptic vesicles and they release neurotransmitters?

Answer 4

exocytosis

Question 5

What recognises and is activated by particular neurotransmitters once they have passed across the synaptic gap?

Answer 5

Specialised receptors on the the surface of the postsynaptic cell

Question 6

What do specialised receptors do once they have been activated by the neurotransmitters?

Answer 6

produce either excitatory or inhibitory effects on the postsynaptic neuron