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pre-synaptic cell
The cell SENDING information (from axon)
post-synaptic cell
cell receiving the signal
Electrical synapse
a type of synapse in which the cells are connected by gap junctions, allowing ions (and therefore the action potential) to spread easily from cell to cell
in your heart
can go both directions
benefits: very quick transfer of AP
drawbacks: not at versatile, and only control one signal (AP).
FASTER THAN CHEMICAL
few mitochondria present
mainly only in the CNS and PNS
Gap junction channels
provide a low resistance pathway for the electrical current to flow between cells
Synaptic vesicles
Membrane-bounded compartments in which synthesized neurotransmitters are kept.
calcium channel
a type of voltage-gated ion channel located on the axon terminal.
auto receptors
receptors that respond to the released transmitter by inhibiting further synthesis and release
neurotransmitters
chemical messengers that cross the synaptic gaps between neurons
ALL SYNTHESIZED in terminal axon
acts as a ligand to attach to a receptor: resulting in either the closing or opening of a channel
synaptic cleft
The narrow gap that separates the presynaptic neuron from the postsynaptic cell.
reuptake
a neurotransmitter's reabsorption by the sending neuron
excitatory neurotransmitters
excite the next cell into firing
inhibitory neurotransmitters
inhibit the next cell from firing
neuromuscular junction
Synapse between motor neuron and muscle fiber.
sarcomere
the cell of a muscle
actin and myosin molecules
motor end plate
the flattened end of a motor neuron that transmits neural impulses to a muscle
tetrodotoxin
in pufferfish [fugu] blocks nerve impulses, 1 milligram can kill an adult
- causes tingling, burning, numbness, drowsiness, paralysis
- caused by the algea the fish eat, cannot be destroyed via cooking or freezing
200/yr, 50% mortality rate
- BUT the extract may be used to treat migraines & menstrual cramps
