Synaptic Transmission

Cards (10)

Synaptic transmission
The process in which a chemical signal is released from one neurone and diffuses to other neurones or tar hey cells generating a signal that excites, inhibits, or modulates cellular activity.
neurotransmitters definition
chemical substances that play an important part in the workings of the nervous system by transmitting nerve impulses across a synapse
inhibitory neurotransmitters
decrease the likelihood of a new action potential forming in the PSM.
excitatory
increases the likelihood of a new action potential forming in the PSM
summation
the excitatory and inhibitory influences are summed. if total is I it will be less likely, if E then more likely to fire.
stage 1 of synaptic transmission
the action potential triggers the vesicles to travel towards the presynaptic membrane on the axon terminal buttons
step 2 of synaptic transmission
the vesicles then fuse with the membrane which triggers the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft
step 3 of synaptic transmission
neurotransmitters then diffuse across the synapse from an area of high concentration to low.
step 4 of synaptic transmission
neurotransmitters then bind to the receptors on the post-synaptic membrane
step 5 of synaptic transmission
the stimulation of the post-synaptic receptors either causes an action potential in the postsynaptic or prevents it.