Synaptic Transmission

Question 1

What is synaptic transmission

Answer 1

Refers to how neurons communicate with one another

Question 2

Explain process of synaptic transmission

Answer 2

1. Before AP occurs the activated cell changes from its negative resting state to a positive activated state
2. The electrical impulse travels down the axon on the pre-synaptic neuron and reaches the terminal buttons, where it triggers the release of neurotransmitters from sacs within the terminal called vesicles
3. Neurotransmitters then cross the synapse and bind to receptor sites on the dendrite of the post-synaptic neuron
4. Stimulation on post-synaptic receptors by neurotransmitters results in either excitation or inhibition of the post-synaptic neuron
5. Some neurotransmitters however may be pumped back into the presysnaptic neuron for destruction or recycling in the process called reuptake

Question 3

What are excitatory neurons

Answer 3

If the neurotransmitter is excitatory the post synaptic neuron is instructed to “fire” I.e: conduct an action potential

Question 4

What is an inhibitory neurotransmitter

Answer 4

If the neurotransmitter is inhibitory the receiving neuron is instructed not to fire

Question 5

What is summation

Answer 5

When a post synaptic neuron receives inputs that are both inhibitory and excitatory at the same time, it adds them together - whether it goes onto fire depends on which is greater

Question 6

Give 2 examples of excitatory neurotransmitters

Answer 6

1. Noradrenaline
2. Dopamine

Question 7

Give 2 examples of inhibitory neurotransmitters

Answer 7

1. GABA
2. Serotonin