Synaptic Transmission

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

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

  It shows how information is passed around the body and how drugs work in the brain
• What is synaptic transmission?

  • The process where information is passed from one neuron to another
  • Involves electrical impulses and chemical messages (neurotransmitters)
  • Occurs at the synapse
• What is the gap between two neurons called?

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

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

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

  It causes vesicles to merge with the presynaptic membrane, releasing neurotransmitters
• What is the role of receptors on the postsynaptic neuron?

  They detect the presence of neurotransmitters
• What is summation in the context of synaptic transmission?

  It is the process of adding and subtracting the effects of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters
• What happens if the threshold is reached in the postsynaptic cell?

  A new action potential forms and travels down the next axon
• What is the difference between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters?

  Excitatory neurotransmitters make the cell more positive, while inhibitory neurotransmitters make it more negative
• 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 and anxiety?

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

  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 functions
  • They enable communication between neurons
  • Consciousness, memories, and experiences arise from synaptic interactions
• How many neurons are estimated to be in the human brain?

  Around 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 the number of 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 synapses per second?

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

  • Free sheets available on the website
  • Additional psychology videos
  • Resources for deeper understanding of synaptic transmission