SLE1/MODULE 3- Synaptic Transmission Flashcards
(132 cards)
what is sodium’s equilibrium potential
typically around +55 mV
synapse
before AP initiates + propagates, a cell receives current inputs to change the membrane potential (Vm)
what occurs at a synapse
a specialized connection enabling a change in membrane potential (Vm) in one cell to be transmitted to another
-presynaptic cell -> postsynaptic cell
2 types of neurons
-presynaptic
-postsynaptic
2 types of synapses
-electrical
-chemical
electrical synapse
direct transmission of current between 2 cells (presynaptic + postsynaptic)
chemical synapse
release of chemical agent by presynaptic cell to attach to postsynaptic cell, eliciting a change in membrane potential (Vm)
myelin
allows for movement of current for charges to be FASTER
what creates myelin
glial cells
what glial cells create myelin in CNS
oligodendrocytes
what glial cells create myelin in PNS
Schwann cells
what does speed of AP propagation depend on
whether or not there is myelin
-whether or not there is more myelin
-fewer nodes
-etc.
an AP will propagate quicker if there is myelin or nodes
myelin
when there is myelin, what happens
appears that AP is jumping from one node to another
-saltatory conduction
how do nodes make AP faster
there is a greater density of voltage gated sodium channels, allowing for greater depolarization
-more channels/conductors = ions can move through doorways quicker + have more effective impact
where are APs generated
axon hillock
describe AP generation
APs are generated at the axon hillock when there is enough depolarization ->
AP will propagate downwards towards node 1 ->
if there is enough sodium that influxes to depolarize, the AP will propagate to node 2 ->
same thing to node 3
why are APs generated at the axon hillock
it is the first place that membrane potentials accumulate
-this is where it is determined if an AP is going to occur or not
what makes the axon hiloock special
HAS HIGHEST DENSITY OF SODIUM CHANNELS
where are the most sodium channels found
axon hillock
gap junction
little separators between the presynaptic + postsynaptic neuron
another name for gap junctions
electrical synapses
what do gap junctions (electrical synapses) allow for
-high conductance/passage
-high capacity for electrical current to flow in either direction
describe gap junction role in AP generation
-voltage gated ion channels in presynaptic cell will generate electrical current, which will pass through the gap junction; WE MUST DO THIS FOR AN AP TO START
-if there are enough gap junctions, you will be able to get more current through from the presynaptic to postsynaptic neuron + you will get AP generation