6.3.3 Synaptic Transmission

• What is a synapse?

  Small gap between neurons
• A synapse is a small gap between two neurons where communication takes place via chemical messengers called neurotransmitters
• The presynaptic terminal is the part of the receiving neuron that binds to neurotransmitters.

  False
• Match the component of a synapse with its description:

  Presynaptic terminal ↔️ Releases neurotransmitters

  Postsynaptic membrane ↔️ Binds to neurotransmitters

  Synaptic cleft ↔️ Narrow space between neurons
• Describe the steps of synaptic transmission in order:

  1️⃣ Neurotransmitter synthesis

  2️⃣ Release of neurotransmitters

  3️⃣ Binding to postsynaptic receptors

  4️⃣ Removal or deactivation of neurotransmitters
• Excitatory neurotransmitters stimulate the postsynaptic neuron, while inhibitory neurotransmitters reduce its activity
• $Glutamate$ is an example of an excitatory neurotransmitter.
• What are the three roles of neurotransmitters in synaptic transmission?

  Release, binding, response
• $GABA$ is an example of an inhibitory neurotransmitter
• Match the neurotransmitter type with its effect:

  Excitatory ↔️ Stimulates postsynaptic neuron

  Inhibitory ↔️ Reduces postsynaptic neuron activity
• Arrange the steps of synaptic transmission in the correct sequence:

  1️⃣ Neurotransmitter synthesis in the presynaptic neuron

  2️⃣ Release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft

  3️⃣ Binding to postsynaptic receptors

  4️⃣ Initiation of electrical signal in the receiving neuron

  5️⃣ Removal or deactivation of neurotransmitters
• Match the type of neurotransmitter with its effect:

  Excitatory ↔️ Stimulates postsynaptic neuron

  Inhibitory ↔️ Reduces postsynaptic neuron activity
• Which neurotransmitter is an example of an excitatory type?

  $Glutamate$
• Inhibitory neurotransmitters reduce the activity of the postsynaptic neuron
• Neurotransmitters transmit signals across synapses between neurons
• Arrange the steps in the role of neurotransmitters during synaptic transmission:

  1️⃣ Release from the presynaptic terminal into the synaptic cleft

  2️⃣ Binding to postsynaptic receptors

  3️⃣ Initiation of either an excitatory or inhibitory response
• What are the two main classifications of neurotransmitters based on their effect?

  Excitatory and inhibitory
• Excitatory neurotransmitters stimulate the postsynaptic neuron to increase its activity
• $GABA$ is an example of an inhibitory neurotransmitter
• What is the primary effect of excitatory synaptic transmission on the postsynaptic neuron?

  Increases firing rate
• Inhibitory synaptic transmission reduces the likelihood of an action potential in the postsynaptic neuron
• Match the neurotransmitter with its primary role in brain function:

  $Glutamate$ ↔️ Learning and memory

  $GABA$ ↔️ Anxiety reduction
• A synapse is a small gap between two neurons
• What is the role of the presynaptic terminal in a synapse?

  Releases neurotransmitters
• The synaptic cleft is the narrow space between the presynaptic terminal and the postsynaptic membrane
• Arrange the steps of synaptic transmission in the correct sequence:

  1️⃣ Neurotransmitter synthesis in the presynaptic neuron

  2️⃣ Release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft

  3️⃣ Binding to postsynaptic receptors

  4️⃣ Initiation of electrical signal in the receiving neuron

  5️⃣ Removal or deactivation of neurotransmitters
• What does excitatory synaptic transmission do to the postsynaptic neuron?

  Stimulates it
• Inhibitory synaptic transmission reduces the activity of the postsynaptic neuron
• Match the primary neurotransmitter with the type of synaptic transmission:

  Glutamate ↔️ Excitatory

  GABA ↔️ Inhibitory
• Excitatory synaptic transmission plays a role in anxiety reduction.

  False
• What are the two main mechanisms for clearing neurotransmitters from the synaptic cleft?

  Reuptake and enzymatic degradation
• The serotonin transporter (SERT) is responsible for the reuptake of Serotonin
• Which enzyme breaks down acetylcholine?

  Acetylcholinesterase
• Match the process with its enzyme or transporter:

  Reuptake of Dopamine ↔️ DAT

  Degradation of Monoamines ↔️ MAO
• Synaptic homeostasis is crucial for proper neural communication.
• What is synaptic plasticity?

  Strengthening or weakening of synapses
• Excitatory transmission enhances learning and memory
• Inhibitory transmission regulates motor control and anxiety.
• What form of synaptic plasticity is associated with improved memory formation?

  Long-term potentiation
• Dysregulation in neurotransmitter balance can lead to cognitive and behavioural disorders