synaptic transmission

• what is an interactionist theory?

  approach that takes account of both nature and nurture
• in what way is the biological theory not interactionist?

  it ignores role of nurture and only focuses on nature
• what is the function of neurons?

  carry electrochemical around the brain and body
• what is the description of dendrites?

  Branch-like extensions of a neuron that receive signals from other neurons.
• what is the description of axon?

  extended part of neuron along which the neurochemical impulses pass from cell body to the axon terminals
• what is the description myelin sheath?

  Insulating layer around axon
• what is the description of the terminal buttons?

  the end of axon from which the impulse passes to the next neuron
• what is the description of the vesicles?

  sacs formed in the axon terminals which contains neurotransmitter
• what is the function of a neurotransmitter?

  allow the electrical impulses to cross the gap between the neurons
• what are the gaps between the neurons called?

  Synapse
• how is action potential created?

  when dendrite of one neuron is stimulated by another neuron
• what is the lock and key mechanism?

  receptors on the dendrite of the next neuron has to be the right shape for the neurotransmitter to pass onto the next neuron
• describe the process of synaptic transmission.


  1. when the action potential reaches the axon terminal the vesicles will travel to the outer membrane of the terminal button

  2. neurotransmitter will be released from the vesicle into the synaptic gap

  3. receptors on the dendrites of the post synaptic neuron are designed to bind and absorb a specific neurotransmitter using the lock and key mechanism

  4. neurotransmitter are then reabsorbed into the presynaptic neuron so they can be re-used

  5. excess neurotransmitters that aren't reabsorbed are broken down by enzymes
• what are examples of some neurotransmitters?

  Dopamine

  serotonin

  acetylcholine

  norepinephrine

  GABA