Neurotransmission Flashcards

Flashcards based on lecture notes about neurotransmission.

AXON

The part of the presynaptic neuron that sends signals.

TERMINAL BUTTON

Where neurotransmitters are made in the neuron.

Vesicle

Membrane-bound sac that stores neurotransmitters.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that transmit signals across a synapse.

SYNAPTIC CLEFT

The gap between the presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons.

DENDRITE

The part of the postsynaptic neuron that receives signals.

Reuptake

Process where neurotransmitters are taken back into the presynaptic neuron.

Enzyme deactivation

Termination of neurotransmission by enzymes breaking down neurotransmitters.

Autoreceptor

Receptors on the presynaptic neuron that bind to neurotransmitters, regulating their release.

Postsynaptic receptor

Location where released neurotransmitters bind on the postsynaptic neuron.

Action potential

Electrical signal that triggers the release of neurotransmitters.