synaptic transmission

• What is the first event in synaptic transmission?

  a.p wave of depolarisation along axon
• What triggers the opening of Ca+ gated channels in synaptic transmission?

  The wave of depolarisation
• What happens to Ca+ ions after the gated channels open?

  They flood into the synaptic knob
• How do Ca+ ions enter the synaptic knob?

  Via facilitated diffusion down the electrochemical gradient
• What do vesicles in the synaptic knob contain?

  Acetylcholine
• Where does acetylcholine diffuse after being released?

  Across the synaptic cleft
• What is the relationship between acetylcholine and the receptors at the post-synaptic membrane?

  They have complementary shapes
• What happens when acetylcholine binds to its receptor?

  Receptor mediated gated channels open
• What ions flood into the post-synaptic membrane after receptor activation?

  Na+ ions
• What must occur for an action potential to be initiated across the post-synaptic membrane?

  Sufficient Na+ entry to reach threshold
• What is the result of sufficient Na+ entry into the post-synaptic membrane?

  AP initiated across post-synaptic membrane
• Ca+ gated channels are voltage sensitive