Synaptic transmission

• 1. The process begins in the presynaptic neuron, action potentials are sent down until they reach the presynaptic terminal
  2. Causing neurotransmitters to be released into synaptic cleft from vesicles.
  3. Neurotransmitters diffuse across the synapse and bind with specific receptors
  4. Once binded - two possible outcomes - inhibitory / excitatory or reuptake.
• Excitatory neurotransmitter - adrenaline

  When it binds to the post synaptic receptor, the next neuron becomes positively charged, making it more likely to fire an impulse

  This increases brain activity in CNS
• Inhibitory neurotransmitter - serotonin or GABA

  When neurotransmitter binds to the receptor the next neuron becomes negatively charged, reducing the likelihood the postsynaptic cell will fire.

  Decreasing brain activity in the CNS
• Summation -

  Occurs when excitatory and inhibitory influences are added together.

  If overall effect is negative- cell won’t fire

  If positive the cell will fire an impulse