Process of Synaptic Transmission

Question 1

Beginning of synaptic transmission (1.)

Answer 1

1. Begins in the presynaptic neuron, action potentials are sent down the axon until they reach the presynaptic terminal

Question 2

Middle of synaptic transmission (2.)

Answer 2

2. Causes neurotransmitters, which are stored in vesicles and are only located in the presynaptic neuron, to be released into the synaptic cleft

Question 3

Middle of synaptic transmission (3.)

Answer 3

3. Neurotransmitters diffuse across the synapse and then bind with their specific receptor sites that are only present on the postsynaptic neuron

Question 4

End of synaptic transmission (4.)

Answer 4

4. Once enough neurotransmitters have attached to receptor sites on the post synaptic neuron, there are two possible outcomes.

Question 5

End of synaptic transmission (4.)
What are the two possible outcomes when the neurotransmitters have attached to receptors

Answer 5

1. The next neuron is ready to fire and impulse, depending on whether the neurotransmitter has an excitatory or inhibitory effect
2. Neurotransmitters are recycled to be stored back in the vesicles in the presynaptic neuron in a process called reuptake