Lecture 29: Synaptic Transmission

Flashcards for Lecture Module 6: Excitable Tissue: Neurons

__ is the (usually very fast) process of transferring information between neurons or between neurons and muscle fibres.

The process of transferring information between neurons or between neurons and muscle fibers.

Synaptic transmission occurs between neurons through either: (a.) __; or (b.) __.

Chemical synapses and electrical synapses (via gap junctions).

Chemical synapses have three key features: __.

Specificity, complexity, and plasticity.

__ are chemical 'messengers' that open (or sometimes close) ion channels, and lead to depolarisation or hyperpolarisation of postsynaptic membrane.

Chemical 'messengers' that open (or sometimes close) ion channels, and lead to depolarisation or hyperpolarisation of postsynaptic membrane.

There are two main types of __ in the CNS and PNS:

Excitatory synapses and inhibitory synapses.

The main neurotransmitters involved in the production of EPSPs are __.

Glutamic acid (glutamate) and acetylcholine (ACh).

The neurotransmitters involved in IPSPs are mainly __.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) or glycine.

Two Types of Mechanisms Used to Gate Ion Channels by Neurotransmitters: __.

Direct gating and indirect gating.

Classical neurotransmitters are usually fast, and often acting directly on postsynaptic receptors. They include: __.

Amino acids, Acetylcholine (ACh), and Biogenic amines

The three main mechanisms of neurotransmitter removal are: __.

Diffusion, enzymatic degradation, and re-uptake (and re-cycling).

__ (L-glutamic acid) is the Main Excitatory Neurotransmitter in the CNS.

Due to its importance in brain function (in both physiological and pathological processes).

Too much glutamate release (or insufficient re-uptake) leads to __.

Excessive activation of neurons, leading to neuron damage.