synaptic transmissions

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8 Terms

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what is synaptic transmission

the process by which one neuron communicates with another

2
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process of synaptic transmission

  1. when an electrical impulse (action potential) reaches the presynaptic terminal, it triggers the release of neurotransmitters

  2. these are stored in vesicles, which fuse with the presynaptic membrane and release the neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft

  3. the neurotransmitters then diffuse across the gap an bind to receptor sites on the postsynaptic membrane.

  4. this binding causes an excitatory or inhibitory effect by generating a new electrical impulse in the postsynaptic neuron

  5. finally the neurotransmitters are either broken down by enzymes or reabsorbed into the presynaptic neuron in a process called reuptake.

3
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what are neurotransmitters

  • chemicals that diffuse across synapses from one neuron to the next

  • the neuron is taken up by the post synaptic receptor site on the next neruron and the message is converted back from being chemical to being electrical.

  • each one has its own specific function

  • each one also had its own specific molecular structure that fits perfectly into a postsynaptic receptor site

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what is summation

combined effect of excitatory and inhibitory inputs at a synapse, which determines whether the postsynaptic neruon reaches threshold to fire an action potential.

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effect if neurotransmitter is excitatory

the post synaptic neuron is more likely to fire an impulse

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effect if neurotransmitter is inhibitory

the post synaptic neuron is less likely to fire an impulse 

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what is inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA

  • acts as a natural calming agent bu reducing neuronal excitability, blocking nerve signals and decreasing brain activity.

  • can lead to reduces anxiety, stress and fear.

  • high levels when sleeping (hibernating animals often experience spikes)

8
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what is excitatory neurotransmitter Glutamtate

  • vital for leaning, memory and cognitive functions

  • used for every excitatory function

  • too much can be toxic

  • when a person experiences a head in just glutamtate floods the injured areas and kills the neurons.