WEEK 1 Flashcards
What are synapses?
Specialised junctions where neurons communicate with each other
Synapses form neural pathways and are crucial for information filtering.
What is the significance of synapses in neural pathways?
They determine which signals are transmitted or inhibited
This process is essential for information filtering in the nervous system.
What role does synaptic plasticity play?
It is essential for learning and memory
Synaptic plasticity allows for changes in signal transmission based on experience.
What disorders are linked to disruptions in synapses?
Disorders like Alzheimer’s, characterized by loss of memory and nervous dysfunction
Disruption in synaptic function can severely impair cognitive abilities.
What are the two types of synapses?
Electrical synapses and chemical synapses
Each type has distinct mechanisms and functions in neural communication.
What is a key feature of electrical synapses?
Direct transmission of electrical signal via gap junctions
This allows for very fast communication between neurons.
What advantages do electrical synapses provide?
- Useful in fast circuits like escape reflexes in fish
- Current can flow in both directions
- Good at synchronising neural activity
They are critical for rapid responses and coordination in neural circuits.
What is a limitation of electrical synapses?
They cannot undergo synaptic plasticity
This means they cannot amplify signals like chemical synapses can.
What characterizes chemical synapses?
They use neurotransmitters and receptors to transmit electrical signals
This allows for more complex signaling compared to electrical synapses.
What types of signals can chemical synapses produce?
- Inhibitory signals
- Excitatory signals
The type of signal produced depends on the specific neurotransmitter involved.
What is a key feature of chemical synapses regarding plasticity?
They can undergo synaptic plasticity
This is crucial for learning and adapting responses to stimuli.
How do chemical synapses contribute to decision-making?
They can integrate multiple signals to create new responses
This integration is essential for complex processing in the brain.
What is long-term potentiation?
A form of synaptic plasticity that underlies memory formation
It is observed in chemical synapses, particularly in the hippocampus.
Why are synapses considered essential for brain function?
They are fundamental for communication between neurons and for synaptic plasticity
Synaptic plasticity is the basis for learning and memory.
What is endogenous bursting?
Generating rhythmic burst independent of synaptic input
This allows for the production of CPG activity like respiration.
Define plateau potentials.
Neurons remain consistently depolarised once triggered and continue to fire action potentials even after the stimulus is gone
This occurs without continuous excitatory input.
What is post inhibitory rebound?
Neuron becomes more excitable after inhibition
This enables alternating rhythms in reciprocal inhibition circuits.
Explain spike adaptation.
Action potential frequency decreases over time during sustained depolarisation
This prevents overexcitation and modulates firing in sensory adaptation.
What is the importance of these neuronal activities?
Allows neurons to generate autonomous rhythmic activity like breathing, essential for survival.
True or False: Endogenous bursting is dependent on synaptic input.
False
Fill in the blank: Plateau potentials allow neurons to continue firing action potentials after the stimulus is ______.
gone
What is recurrent excitation?
Neurons excite each other in a loop
This type of connectivity can enhance certain neural pathways.
Define mutual inhibition in neural connectivity.
Neurons inhibit each other creating alternating oscillatory activity patterns
This mechanism can lead to rhythmic patterns of activity in neural circuits.
What is recurrent inhibition?
A neuron excites a neuron that inhibits the original neurons, helping to regulate activity
This process is important for maintaining balance in neural activity.
