synaptic transmission

Question 1

a synapse

Answer 1

a gap that seperates each neuron

Question 2

what is synaptic transmission

Answer 2

a method of neurons communicating with each othe

Question 3

the process of synaptic transmission

Answer 3

1. the electrical impulse reaches the end of the neuron (the presynaptic terminal), at the end of the axon there are sacs called vesicles
2. vesicles contain neurotransmitters when the electrical impulse reaches vesicles it causes them to release contents across synapse
3. neurotransmitters diffuse across the synaptic cleft
4. in the post-synaptic receptor site the neurotransmitters bind to the receptors and are converted back to an electrical impulse to travel down next neuron

Question 4

synapse - lock and key system

Answer 4

only certain neurotransmitters can unlock a message channel in certain receptors in the post-synaptic neuron
- its a lock and key system

when the correct key (neurotransmitter) meets the correct lock (receptor) a specific membrane is opened, ions flow through the membrane causing an action potential - can be either excitatory or inhibitory

normal brain function relies on a balance between the 2 - if not balanced = functional problems e.g epilepsy

Question 5

synapse - lock and key system - excitatory

Answer 5

such as noradrenaline

increase the positive charge of the postsynaptic neuron making it more likely the neuron will fire

Question 6

synapse - lock and key system - inhibitory

Answer 6

such as serotonin.

increasing the negative charge of the post-synaptic neuron making it less likely the neuron will fire

responsible for calming the mind