The process of synaptic transmission

Question 1

STEP 1

Answer 1

Action potential travels down an axon.

Question 2

STEP 2

Answer 2

The action potential reaches the axon terminal.

Question 3

STEP 3

Answer 3

This triggers the action of synaptic vesicles containing neurotransmitter molecules.

Question 4

STEP 4

Answer 4

The neurotransmitters are released into the synaptic cleft where they diffuse across.

Question 5

STEP 5

Answer 5

Neurotransmitters bind with receptors on the dendrite of the post-synaptic neuron.

Question 6

STEP 6

Answer 6

The neurotransmitters may have either an excitatory or inhibitory effect on the post-synaptic neuron.

Question 7

STEP 7

Answer 7

The neurotransmitters are released from the receptor sites and are re-uptaken by the presynaptic neuron; broken down by enzymes; or diffuse away.

Question 8

SUMMATION

Answer 8

Whether the neuron fires or not will be due to the overall summed effect of excitatory or inhibitory neurotransmitters it receives.