synaptic transmission

Question 1

What is a synapse?

Answer 1

Space between neurons (synaptic cleft)

Presynaptic and postsynaptic receptor site

Question 2

How are signals transmitted?

Answer 2

IN neurons - electrically

BETWEEN neurons - chemically by synaptic transmission

Question 3

How does synaptic transmission begin?

Answer 3

Electrical impulse reaches end of neuron - triggers release of NT from synaptic vesicles

Question 4

What is a neurotransmitter?

Answer 4

Chemical messenger that diffuses across synapse

Each has specific structure to fit into receptor site

Question 5

What happens after the neurotransmitter has diffused across the synapse?

Answer 5

Taken up by postsynaptic receptor sites

Converted back into electrical impulse

Question 6

What is acetylcholine?

Answer 6

ACh
Found where motor neuron meets muscle
Causes muscles to contract on release

Question 7

What is excitation?

Answer 7

Adrenaline causes excitation of postsynaptic neuron

Increasing it’s positive charge making it more likely to fire

Question 8

What is inhibition?

Answer 8

Serotonin causes inhibition

Becomes negatively charged and less likely to fire