Synapse Structure

• What happens when a neuron fires?

  It releases neurotransmitters into the synapse
• What is the result of neurotransmitters being received by the next neuron?

  It leads to further signal transmission
• What is the pre-synaptic terminal?

  Swollen end of the axon
• How do neurotransmitters function in a synapse?

  They transmit signals between neurons
• Describe the process of neurotransmitter transmission at a synapse.

  • Pre-synaptic neuron releases neurotransmitters
  • Neurotransmitters travel across the synaptic cleft
  • Bind to receptors on the post-synaptic neuron
  • Information transmission is completed
• What do synaptic vesicles contain?

  Neurotransmitters
• How do the roles of the pre-synaptic and post-synaptic neurons differ in a synapse?

  Pre-synaptic transmits, post-synaptic receives signals
• What is the role of the axon in the post-synaptic neuron?

  To transmit signals onwards
• What do EPSC and IPSC represent in synaptic activity?

  EPSC is excitatory, IPSC is inhibitory
• Where are synaptic vesicles located?

  Within the pre-synaptic terminal
• What ensures that neuronal signals are one-way?

  The structure of the synaptic cleft and receptors.
• How do inhibitory synapses affect membrane potential?

  They move it further from threshold potential
• What is essential for effective synaptic communication?

  Rapid and efficient neurotransmitter release
• Why is the structure of the pre-synaptic terminal important?

  It ensures rapid neurotransmitter release
• What occurs after neurotransmitters are released into the synapse?

  They are received by the next neuron
• What are synaptic vesicles?

  Tiny sacs that store neurotransmitters
• How do excitatory synapses affect membrane potential?

  They move it closer to threshold potential
• What is the function of a synapse?

  To transmit messages between neurons
• What is the synaptic cleft?

  A tiny gap between two neurons
• What does the post-synaptic neuron receive information through?

  Dendrites
• What is the synaptic cleft?

  Gap between pre-synaptic and post-synaptic neurons
• What is the function of voltage-gated calcium channels?

  They open when an electrical impulse arrives
• What is the role of the synaptic cleft?

  It serves as a transport route for neurotransmitters.
• What type of effect do inhibitory synapses cause?

  Hyperpolarizing effects
• What are the chemical messengers used in synapses called?

  Neurotransmitters
• Why is it important that messages do not flow backward in neuronal signaling?

  To maintain the directionality of signal transmission.
• What is a synapse?

  A small gap between neurons
• Why are post-synaptic receptors not uniformly distributed?

  Different types are concentrated in different areas
• What is the function of the post-synaptic neuron?

  It receives signals from the pre-synaptic neuron
• What happens to neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft?

  They bind to receptors on the post-synaptic neuron
• What happens to neurotransmitters after they are released?

  They cross the cleft to bind to receptors.
• What are the three main components of a synapse?

  Pre-synaptic neuron, post-synaptic neuron, synaptic cleft
• How do synaptic vesicles contribute to neurotransmission?

  They release neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft
• What are post-synaptic receptors?

  Specific protein molecules binding to neurotransmitters
• What is the role of the pre-synaptic neuron in a synapse?

  It transmits signals to the post-synaptic neuron