Ultrastructure of the mammalian synapse

Question 1

What are 2 types of synapses

Answer 1

1. Chemical synapses
2. Electrical synapses

Question 2

Name 3 aspects that synapses can differ on.

Answer 2

1. Neurotransmitters
2. Postsynaptic response
3. Anatomy

Question 3

What are the different types of synapses & how can you recognise them?

Answer 3

1. Type I / Asymmetric synapses
   * Excitatory & Mainly on dendrites & dendritic spines
2. Type II / Symmetric synapses
   * Inhibitory & Mainly on cell soma and axonal initial segment

Question 4

Name the 5 different neurotransmitters & corresponding postsynaptic response

Answer 4

1. GABA - Inhibitory
2. Glycine - Inhibitory
3. Glutamate - Excitatory
4. Dopamine - Neuromodulatory
5. Serotonin - Neuromodulatory