The synapse

Question 1

Describe a chemical synapse

Answer 1

1) action potential arrive at presynaptic terminal
2) Cause voltage gated ion channel to open
3) Ca diffuse into the cell
4) Synaptic vessels release acetylcholine (neurotransmitter)
5) Acetylcholine diffuse from pre-synaptic cleft across synaptic cleft and bind to receptor on ligand gated Na channels
6) Cause NA channels to open and Na to diffuse into the cell, membrane potential more positive
7) Membrane potential reaches threshold level and action potential will be produced

Question 2

Where is the functional connection?

Answer 2

Between 2 neurons

Question 3

What is the gap called between the neurons?

Answer 3

Synaptic cleft

Question 4

What are some factors that affect synaptic transfusion?

Answer 4

Drugs-prevent action potential
Caffeine-lowers threshold at synapse
Antidepressants- Keeps serotonin in synapse longer

Question 5

What is exocytosis?

Answer 5

Release of neurotransmitter from a synaptic vesicle

Question 6

Axons have synaptic knob at their distal ends which secrete?

Answer 6

Neurotransmitters

Question 7

A membrane reaching the postsynaptic neuron membrane is either?

Answer 7

Inhibitory or exhibitory

Question 8

When is a neurotransmitter released?

Answer 8

When an impulse reaches the synaptic knob at the end of an axon