4.2.2 Synaptic Transmission

• Synaptic transmission is the process by which neurons communicate with each other through synapses
• Neurotransmitters are released into the synaptic cleft when an action potential reaches the axon terminal.
• Outline the stages of synaptic transmission:

  1️⃣ Action potential arrives at axon terminal

  2️⃣ Neurotransmitters are released from vesicles

  3️⃣ Neurotransmitters bind to receptors

  4️⃣ EPSP or IPSP is generated

  5️⃣ Neurotransmitters are removed from the synaptic cleft
• How does synaptic transmission affect behavior?

  By transmitting signals
• Synaptic transmission involves the transmission of signals across the synaptic cleft
• What triggers the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft?

  Action potential
• Neurotransmitters bind to receptors on the postsynaptic membrane.
• Neurotransmitters are removed from the synaptic cleft through reuptake or degradation
• What does EPSP stand for?

  Excitatory postsynaptic potential
• Synaptic transmission involves the release of neurotransmitters from one neuron to another.
• What is the role of the presynaptic membrane in a synapse?

  Releases neurotransmitters
• The synaptic cleft is the gap between two neurons
• Receptors on the postsynaptic membrane bind to neurotransmitters to continue the signal.
• Where do neurotransmitters bind after being released into the synaptic cleft?

  Postsynaptic receptors
• Synaptic transmission is the process by which neurons communicate through synapses
• Synaptic transmission involves the release of neurotransmitters from the presynaptic neuron into the synaptic cleft.
• Steps involved in synaptic transmission

  1️⃣ An action potential arrives at the axon terminal.

  2️⃣ Neurotransmitters are released from vesicles into the synaptic cleft.

  3️⃣ Neurotransmitters bind to receptors on the postsynaptic membrane.

  4️⃣ This binding generates either an EPSP or IPSP.

  5️⃣ Neurotransmitters are removed from the synaptic cleft.
• What triggers the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft?

  Action potential
• Neurotransmitters bind to receptors on the postsynaptic membrane
• Neurotransmitters are removed from the synaptic cleft through reuptake or degradation.
• What happens when an electrical impulse reaches the end of a neuron?

  Neurotransmitters are released
• The binding of neurotransmitters can generate either an EPSP or an IPSP
• What does IPSP stand for in synaptic transmission?

  Inhibitory postsynaptic potential
• Neurotransmitters are removed from the synaptic cleft through reuptake or degradation.
• Electrical impulses trigger the release of neurotransmitters into the synapse.
• Steps of synaptic transmission in a correct sequence:

  1️⃣ Action potential arrives

  2️⃣ Neurotransmitters released

  3️⃣ Neurotransmitters bind to receptors

  4️⃣ EPSP or IPSP generated
• What is the process by which neurons communicate through synapses called?

  Synaptic transmission
• Neurotransmitters are released from vesicles into the synaptic cleft.
• Match the process with its outcome in synaptic transmission:

  Action potential arrives ↔️ Neurotransmitters released

  Neurotransmitters released ↔️ Bind to receptors

  Binding to receptors ↔️ EPSP or IPSP generated

  EPSP or IPSP ↔️ Signal continued or inhibited
• Synaptic transmission involves the release of neurotransmitters from the presynaptic neuron.
• What triggers the release of neurotransmitters in synaptic transmission?

  Action potential
• Neurotransmitters bind to receptors on the postsynaptic membrane.
• Synaptic transmission is the primary method of neuronal communication.
• At which part of the neuron does an action potential arrive in synaptic transmission?

  Axon terminal
• Inhibitory postsynaptic potentials reduce neuron excitability.
• Synaptic transmission occurs through the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft.
• What happens to neurotransmitters after they bind to receptors?

  Reuptake or degradation
• Match the component of a synapse with its function:

  Presynaptic membrane ↔️ Releases neurotransmitters

  Postsynaptic membrane ↔️ Contains receptors

  Synaptic cleft ↔️ Facilitates neurotransmitter transmission
• Vesicles inside the presynaptic neuron store and transport neurotransmitters to the presynaptic membrane.
• Neurotransmitters are released from vesicles into the synaptic cleft in the second stage of synaptic transmission.