Nervous System: Synapses & Neurotransmitters

These flashcards cover key terminology and concepts related to synapses and neurotransmitters within the nervous system.

Synapse

A specialized junction where neurons communicate with each other.

Electrical Synapse

A type of synapse that uses gap junctions for direct electrical signaling between cells.

Chemical Synapse

A synapse that transmits signals through neurotransmitters across a synaptic cleft.

Neurotransmitter (NT)

Chemical messengers that transmit signals across synapses between neurons.

EPSP (Excitatory Postsynaptic Potential)

Graded depolarization caused by the influx of positive ions.

IPSP (Inhibitory Postsynaptic Potential)

Graded hyperpolarization caused by the influx of negative ions or efflux of positive ions.

Axo-dendritic Synapse

A common type of chemical synapse, where the axon terminal of one neuron connects to the dendrite of another.

Ligand-Gated Ion Channels

Protein channels that open in response to neurotransmitter binding, allowing specific ions to pass.

Second Messenger System

A mechanism initiated by neurotransmitter binding that triggers various cellular responses.

Reuptake

The process by which neurotransmitters are taken back into the presynaptic neuron after their release.