Lesson 3 - Synaptic Transmission

Question 1

Action Potential Transfer

Answer 1

• When AP reaches pre-synaptic terminal it triggers release of neurotransmitters
• Neurotransmitters will diffuse across the synaptic cleft between pre and post-synaptic membranes

Question 2

Excitatory

Answer 2

• Causes an electrical charge in the membrane of the post-synaptic membrane
• Resulting in excitatory post-synaptic potential
• Meaning that post-synaptic neuron is more likely to fire an impulse

Question 3

Inhibitory

Answer 3

• Same thing

- But less likely that neuron will fire an impulse

Question 4

Summation

Answer 4

• Both excitatory and inhibitory can happen at the same time
• The likelihood that the neuron will fire an impulse is dependent on the net result of the inhibitory and excitatory input

Question 5

Direction of Synaptic Transmission

Answer 5

• Can only travel in one direction at a synapse
• The vesicles containing neurotransmitters are ONLY present on the pre-synaptic membrane
• The receptors for the neurotransmitters are ONLY present on the post-synaptic membrane
• Neurotransmitters travel through diffusion so it is impossible for it to travel from a low to high gradient

Question 6

Medication

Answer 6

• Some drugs such as SSRIs work by affecting the transmission of neurotransmitters across the synapse
• Some pain medication mimic the effects of inhibitory neurotransmitters
• Meaning the feeling of pain won’t be fired by the neuron