The Synapse and Neurotransmitters Flashcards
Exam 2
What is the purpose of the synapse?
The site of information flow from one neuron to another neuron
Site of communication from a neuron to (2)
- Another neuron
- Effector (muscle cell)
Presynaptic neuron
Neuron that SENDS impulses through the synapse
Postsynaptic neuron
Neuron that RECEIVES information from the synapse
Each ______ of a dendrite has its own _______
spine; synapse
What are the two types of synapses?
- Electrical
- Chemical
Electrical Synapse
Gap junctions; DIRECT FLOW from neuron to neuron
Chemical synapse
Synaptic cleft requires neurotransmitters to transmit signals; SPACE INBETWEEN
Electrical synapses are used for ____________ of cell groups
synchronicity
There is a greater diversity at chemical synapses because
Different neurotransmitters can have different effects
Are there more electrical or chemical synapses?
Chemical
What are the paired channels in Electrical synapses called?
Connexons
What are the proteins that make up the paired channels?
Connexins
Electrical synapses allow a direct or indirect flow?
Direct
A place in the brain that uses electrical synapses is?
The Pons/Medulla
Why do the pons and the medulla use electrical synapses?
Regulating heartbeat and breathing is a synchronous process, which means that all nerves must fire at once
What are the three types of chemical synapses?
- Axosomatic
- Axodendritic
- Axoaxonal
Axosomatic synapses
Axon attaches to cell bodies
Axodendritic synapses
Axon to dendrite
Axoaxonal synapses
Axon to axon
What is the most common chemical synapse?
Axodendritic synapses
Synaptic vesicles are specialized to release _________ into the synapse
Neurotransmitters
Two parts of Chemical synapses
- Axon terminal of postsynaptic neurons
- NTs receptor region on postsynaptic neurons
Synaptic cleft
Fluid-filled space between the pre and post synaptic neuron
NTs can be ________________ or ________________
Inhibitory or excitatory
What channels are in the receptors?
ligand-gate
Excitatory NTs cause
depolarization