sequence of chemical events at the synapse

one

neuron synthesizes chemicals that serve as NTs

two

APs travel down axon at presynaptic terminal, an AP enables Ca to enter the cell, releasing NTs into synaptic cleft

three

NTs attach (bind) to their receptors, altering activity of postynaptic neuron

four

NTs seperate from their receptors

five

reuptake of NTs

• recycled »» NT is taken back into presynaptic neuron

• diffuse away

six

some postsynaptic cells release retrograde transmitters to control the release (slow it down) from presynaptic cell