Chemical Synapses Overview-3

These flashcards cover key terms related to chemical synapses, their function, and processes involved.

Synapse

A junction between two neurons where information is transmitted.

Presynaptic neuron

Neuron that sends information toward the synapse.

Postsynaptic neuron

Neuron that receives information away from the synapse.

Chemical synapse

The most common type of synapse specialized for the release and reception of neurotransmitters.

Electrical synapse

A type of synapse that allows direct electrical communication between neurons.

Axiosomatic synapse

A synapse between an axon and the soma (cell body) of a neuron.

Axiodendritic synapse

A synapse between the axon terminals of one neuron and the dendrites of another.

Axonal synapse

A synapse that occurs between two axons.

Synaptic cleft

The gap between the presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons.

Action potential

An electrical signal that travels along the axon and can trigger neurotransmitter release.

Voltage-gated calcium channels

Channels that open in response to an action potential, allowing calcium ions to enter the axon terminal.

Exocytosis

The process by which neurotransmitters are released from synaptic vesicles into the synaptic cleft.

Reuptake

The process by which neurotransmitters are taken back into the presynaptic neuron after their release.

Graded potential

A change in the postsynaptic membrane potential that can vary in magnitude.

Neurotransmitter

Chemicals released from presynaptic neurons that transmit signals across synapses.

Ion channels

Protein channels in the postsynaptic membrane that open in response to neurotransmitter binding.