The process of synaptic transmission

Question 1

What is an excitatory neurotransmitter?

Answer 1

It increases the likelihood of creating an action protentisl in the post synaptic neuron.

Question 2

What is an inhibitory neurotransmitter?

Answer 2

An inhibitory neurotransmitter decreases the likelihood of an action potential being created.

Question 3

How do excitatory/inhibitory neurons change the likelihood of an action potential being created?

Answer 3

They do this by changing the electrical charge in the membrane of the post synaptic cell.

Question 4

What is the process of excitation?

Answer 4

1. Excitatory neurotransmitters are released from the pre synaptic neuron, diffuse across the gap and bind to receptors on the post synaptic membrane
2. This creates depolarisation of the post synaptic membrane
3. Known as an excitatory post synaptic potential
4. Which increases the likelihood that the post synaptic neuron will create an action potential

Question 5

What is the process of inhibition?

Answer 5

1. Inhibitory neurotransmitters are released from the pre synaptic neuron, diffuse across the gap and bind to the receptors on the post synaptic membrane.
2. This creates the hyperpolarisation of the post synaptic membrane
3. Known as an inhibitory post synaptic potential
4. Which decreases the likelihood that the post synaptic neuron will create an action potential.

Question 6

Why is summation important?

Answer 6

Summation is crucial in determining whether a neuron will fire.

Question 7

How do you determine the likleihood of a cell firing?

Answer 7

The likelihood of a cell firing is determined by adding up the inhibitory and excitatory synaptic input.

Question 8

What will more excitatory signals trigger the cell to do?

Answer 8

More excitatory signals will trigger the cell to create an action potential.

Question 9

What will more inhibitory signals trigger the cell to do?

Answer 9

More inhibitory signals will inhibit the cell from creating an action potential