Process of synaptic transmission Flashcards
(18 cards)
Where does the process of synaptic transmission begin?
In the pre synaptic neuron
Action potentials are sent down the axon until they reach the…
presynaptic neuron
Where are neurotransmitters stored?
They are stores in vesicles and are only located in the presynaptic neuron, to be released into the synapse
Neurotransmitters difuse across the synapse from…
high to low concentration
Receptor sites are only located in…
the post synaptic neuron
What are the two possible outcomes after the neurotransmitters attach to the post synaptic neuron?
-The next neuron is ready to fire an impulse, depending on whether the neurotransmitter has an excitatory or inhibitory effect
-The neurotransmitters are recycled to be stored back in the vesicles in the presynaptic neuron, known as reuptake
What is the role of neurotransmitters?
Their role is to transmit information from one neuron to another so that a person performs an action e.g having an emotional response
What happens when the excitatory neurotransmitter binds to the post synaptic cell it becomes…
Positively charged
The post synaptic cell will be positively charged meaning…
It is more likely that the post synaptic cell will fire so an impulse will travel down the axon
What does an excitatory neurotransmitter mean for brain activity?
Brain activity in the CNS will increase
What is an example of an excitatory neurotransmitter?
Adrenaline
What is an example of an inhibitory neurotransmitter?
Serotonin
What happens to the charge of the post synaptic cell when the inhibitory neurotransmitter binds to the post synaptic cell?
It becomes negatively charged
What does a negative charge mean?
It means the likelihood of the post synaptic cell firing is reduced
What does an inhibitory neurotransmitter mean for brain activity?
Brain activity is reduced in the CNS
Summation occurs when the…
excitatory and inhibitory influences are added together
What happens during summation if the overall effect is mainly inhibitory?
It reduces the likelihood that the neuron will fire an impulse down the post synaptic neuron
What happens during summation if the overall effect is mainly excitatory?
The neuron will fire the impulse down the post synaptic neuron
