Synapse Flashcards

Flashcards about Synapses.

Synapse

A gap where one neuron meets another neuron; electrical impulses cannot travel through it.

Neurotransmitters

Chemicals released at the synapse to transmit signals between neurons.

How neurotransmitters are released

They are released from the axon terminal and diffuse across the synapse.

Neurotransmitter detection

The neurotransmitter is detected by receptor cells in the dendrites of the next neuron, generating a new electrical impulse.

A disadvantage of synapses

They slow down neurotransmission.

Advantages of synapses

They ensure impulses travel in one direction only and allow many fresh impulses to be generated.

How drugs/medication work at the synapse

Drugs and neurotransmitters have a similar shape, allowing drugs to block receptor cells in the dendrites of the next neuron.

The result of drugs blocking receptors

Drugs prevent neurotransmitters from binding with receptor cells, so the impulse cannot be transmitted and no pain is processed by the brain.

The order of operations

Stimulus, receptor cell, sensory neuron, relay neuron, motor neuron, effector.