The Process of Synaptic Transmission Flashcards
neurons typically consist of
dendrites, a cell body and an axon
nerves are surrounded by a
myelin sheath
a myelin sheath allows for
quicker transmission
if the myelin sheath is damaged
transmission slows down
signals WITHIN neurons are transmitted
electrically
signals BETWEEN neurons are transmitted
chemically
Dendrites receive signals from
Other neurons or sensory receptors
The impulse is passed to the
Cell body
From the cell body, the impulse is passed along the
Axon
When a transmission reaches the axon, where does it reach next?
It reaches the terminal body of the presynaptic neuron
The first part of synaptic transmission
- Dendrites receive signals from other neurons or sensory receptors
- The impulse is sent to the cell body
- The impulse is then sent to the axon
- When the impulse reaches the axon, it reaches the terminal button of the presynaptic neuron
Synaptic transmission is the process of
Transmitting messages from neuron to neuron
Synaptic transmission is where impulses stimulate
Neurotransmitters (chemical messengers)
Where are neurotransmitters released from?
Vesicles
Where are neurotransmitters released into?
A fluid filled gap
What is a fluid filled gap?
The synapse
What must the adjacent post synaptic neuron do?
It must quickly take up the neurotransmitters from the fluid at the receptor site.
What must the adjacent post synapse do to the neurotransmitters?
It must convert them to an electrical impulse to travel down the dendrites to the next neuron.
Neurotransmitters have either
Excitatory or inhibitory effect on the neighbouring neuron
Neurotransmitters and receptor sites relate to each other in a specific way…
When a neurotransmitter reaches its appropriate receptor, it causes a ‘potential’ in the dendrites
If a neurotransmitter has an excitatory potential/a positive charge, it makes it
More likely to fire
If the neurotransmitter has a inhibitory potential/negative change, it makes it
Less likely to fire
