synapse function and transmission Flashcards
define a synapse
the point where the axon of one neuron ‘connects’ with the dendrite of another
the synapse has two functions what are they
send single impulses
send a number of impulses
what is the single impulse transmitted to
a number of different neurons
when transmitted to a number of different neurons what response is exhibited
a number of simultaniuos responses
when a number of impulses is sent what happens
a single response
give a feature of the synapse
it is unidirectional
what does undirectional mean
impulse only travels in one direction
where is the neurotransmitter produced
presynaptic neuron
where are the receptor proteins
on the post synaptic neuron
what are the two types of summation
spatial summation
temporal summation
what is spatial summation
when a number of different presynaptic neurons release enough neurotransmiter to exseed threshold value of postsynaptic neuron
why is summation beneficial
it increases the proability that action potential will be produced
what is temporal summation
single presynaptic neuron releases neurotransmitter many times over a short period of time.
what does this temporal summation do
total amount exceeds the threshold value new AP is triggered
what is inhibition
when chloride ions move in cusing hyperpolerisation of postsynaptic membrane
