Unit 3 (Localisation) - Neurotransmission Flashcards
Neurotransmitters
Chemicals that transmit information from one synapse to the next
Presynaptic Neuron
A neuron that transmits information to another neuron
Post-Synaptic Neuron
A neuron that receives information from another neuron
Synaptic Transmission
The process of neurons sending information to each other via neurotransmitters
Synaptic Vesicles
Small sacs which contains the neurotransmitters - when presynaptic neuron fires, vesicles move toward membrane and release neurotransmitters
Synaptic Cleft
The space/gap between neurons in a synapse
2 Types of Synapses
Excitory and Inhibitory Synapses
Excitory Synapses
Release a neurotransmitter that excites the postsynaptic neuron and allows it to reach its action potential
Inhibitory Synapse
Causes the target cell to become inhibited and less likely to fire and reach action potential