Synapses and Neurotransmission

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to synapses and neurotransmission, providing definitions for essential terms discussed in the lecture.

Synapse

A gap between neurons that allows for signal transmission.

Neurotransmitter

Chemicals that relay signals between neurons by crossing the synaptic cleft.

Presynaptic terminal

The part of a neuron that releases neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft.

Postsynaptic terminal

The part of a neuron that receives neurotransmitters.

Synaptic cleft

The small gap that separates the presynaptic and postsynaptic terminals.

Action potential (AP)

An electrical impulse that travels down a neuron, triggering neurotransmitter release.

Calcium ions (Ca2+)

Ions that enter the presynaptic terminal and are necessary for the release of neurotransmitters.

Excitatory post-synaptic potential (EPSP)

A change that makes a postsynaptic neuron more likely to fire an action potential.

Inhibitory post-synaptic potential (IPSP)

A change that makes a postsynaptic neuron less likely to fire an action potential.

Neural pruning

The process of losing unused neurons, reinforcing wiring patterns associated with learned behavior.

Acetylcholine

A common neurotransmitter that can be excitatory and is involved in muscle control and memory.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and various brain functions, usually inhibitory.

GABA

The major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain.

Synaptic vesicles

Small sacs that store neurotransmitters in the presynaptic terminal.

Neural development

The process through which neurons form synaptic connections and strengthen or weaken these pathways.