Neurotransmission Flashcards
(20 cards)
What is the myelin sheath made up of?
Fatty tissue
What are the brain and spine called?
The central nervous system
What is the neuron before the synapse called?
Presynaptic neuron
What is the neuron after the synapse called?
Postsynaptic neuron
What does the presynaptic neuron contain?
Electrical impulses
What is the gap between 2 neurons called?
Synapse
When the neurotransmitters go through the synapse what do they turn into?
Chemical impulses
By what process do neurotransmitters move across the synapse?
Diffusion
When going from the synapse to the postsynaptic neuron what do the chemical impulses turn into?
Electrical impulses
What part of the neuron releases neurotransmitters?
The axon terminal
What are examples of neurotransmitters?
Dopamine and serotonin
Why is neurotransmission important?
It allows communication between neurons and between neurons and muscles or glands
What is the synapse?
The small gap between two neurons where neurotransmission occurs
How does a reflex action occur?
A stimulus is detected by receptors → sensory neuron sends a signal to the spinal cord → relay neuron passes the signal to motor neuron → motor neuron sends a signal to effector → a quick, automatic response occurs without involving the brain
What happens when neurotransmitters reach the next neuron?
They bind to receptors on the dendrite of the next neuron, triggering a new electrical impulse
What is the role of a sensory neuron in neurotransmission?
It carries impulses from receptors to the central nervous system (CNS)
What is the role of a motor neuron?
It carries impulses from the CNS to effectors (muscles or glands)
What is the function of a relay neuron?
It connects sensory neurons to motor neurons within the CNS
What is the role of myelin in a neuron?
It insulates the axon and speeds up the transmission of electrical impulses
Why is neurotransmission essential for survival?
It enables fast communication between body parts for coordination and response to stimuli
