Synaptic transmission

• What are the 2 effects Neurotransmitters can have on a neuron?

  Excitatory or inhibitory
• What are Neurotransmitters?

  Chemicals that diffuse across the synapse to the next neuron in the chain

  • each NT has its own specific molecular structure that fits perfectly into a post-synaptic receptor site.
  • Neurotransmitters also have specialist functions
• What happens when electrical impulses reach the end of the neuron (the presynaptic neuron)?

  It triggers the release of neurotransmitters from tiny sacs called synaptic vesicles
• How are signals transmitted between neurons?

  Chemically
• How are signals transmitted within neurons?

  Electrically
• How do neurons communicate with each other?

  Within groups known as neural networks