The process of synaptic transmission

• What happens when an electrical signal reaches the axon terminals of the pre-synaptic neuron?

  It stimulates the vesicles to release neurotransmitters across the synaptic gap.
• What is the synaptic gap?

  It is the gap separating one neuron from another.
• What happens to neurotransmitters that are not received by the post-synaptic neuron?

  They can be reabsorbed back into the pre-synaptic neuron.
• Where do neurotransmitters attach after being released?

  They attach to post-synaptic receptors on the post-synaptic neuron.
• Why can information only travel in one direction at a synapse?

  Because vesicles containing neurotransmitters are only released from the pre-synaptic neuron, and receptors are only present on the post-synaptic neuron.
• What is an example of an excitatory neurotransmitter?

  Adrenaline.
• What is an example of an inhibitory neurotransmitter?

  GABA.
• What type of action can neurotransmitters have at synapses?

  They can be excitatory or inhibitory.
• How does adrenaline affect the post-synaptic neuron?

  It increases the positive charge of the post-synaptic neuron, making it more likely to fire a message.
• How does GABA affect the post-synaptic neuron?

  It increases the negative charge of the post-synaptic neuron, making it less likely to fire a message.
• What effect does GABA have on the nervous system?

  It calms activity in the nervous system and produces states of relaxation.
• In what type of medication is GABA found?

  Anti-anxiety medication like Valium.