Synapses

• A synapse is the place where one axon meets another.
• Transmission Across the Cholinergic Synapse P1:

  • Action potential in pre synaptic terminal.
  • Calcium ion channels open and calcium ions enter by facilitated diffusion.
  • Vesicles fuse with the pre synaptic membrane.
  • Neurotransmitter diffuses across the cleft and binds to complementary receptors on the post synaptic membrane.
• Transmission Across the Cholinergic Synapse P2:

  • Sodium channels open and sodium ions diffuse in, depolarising the post synaptic membrane.
  • Action potential in post synaptic membrane.
  • Neurotransmitter hydrolysed by an enzyme, products are reabsorbed and reform into neurotransmitter.
• The cholinergic synapse is a synapse that uses the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.