Synaptic Transmission

• What is the biological structure discussed in the context of biological psychology?

  Synapse
• How does the synapse help in understanding psychoactive drugs?


  It shows how information is passed and how drugs affect brain function
• What is synaptic transmission?


  • Process of communication between neurons
  • Involves electrical impulses and neurotransmitters
  • Critical for information transfer in the brain
• What is the gap between two neurons called?

  Synaptic cleft
• What is the size of the synaptic cleft?


  About 20 to 40 nanometers
• What are the chemicals that transmit signals across the synapse called?

  Neurotransmitters
• What happens when an action potential reaches the axon terminal?


  It causes vesicles to merge with the membrane and release neurotransmitters
• What is the role of receptors on the postsynaptic neuron?


  They detect the presence of neurotransmitters
• What is depolarization in the context of neurotransmitter action?


  It makes the electrical charge more positive in the postsynaptic cell
• What is hyperpolarization?


  It makes the postsynaptic neuron more negative
• What is summation in synaptic transmission?


  • The effect of all excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters
  • Determines if the threshold for action potential is reached
  • Involves adding and subtracting influences on the postsynaptic cell
• What happens if the threshold is reached in the postsynaptic cell?


  A new action potential forms and travels down the next axon
• Why is synaptic communication considered unidirectional?


  Information signaling cannot happen in reverse
• What is the process called when neurotransmitters are taken back into the presynaptic cell?


  Reuptake
• How often does a typical neuron fire?


  Between 5 and 50 times a second
• What do SSRIs do in the treatment of depression?


  They block the reabsorption of serotonin, increasing its level in the synapse
• How does cocaine affect the dopamine system?


  It blocks the reabsorption of dopamine, increasing its signal
• What is the significance of synapses in relation to consciousness and memory?


  • Synapses are fundamental to brain function
  • They enable communication that underlies consciousness
  • They are involved in forming memories and experiences
• How many neurons are estimated to be in the human brain?


  About 100 billion neurons
• How many synaptic connections can a single neuron have?

  As many as 15,000 synaptic connections
• How many synapses does an average 20-year-old male have?

  Around 170 trillion synapses
• How does the number of synapses in the brain compare to stars in the Milky Way galaxy?

  There are around 680 Milky Way galaxies worth of synapses
• How long would it take to count all the synapses in the brain at a rate of 100 per second?

  Just under 5,500 years
• What resources are available for further study on synapses and psychology?

  • Free resources on the website
  • Additional psychology videos
  • Opportunities for interactive learning