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6. Biopsychology
6.3 Neurons and Synaptic Transmission
6.3.3 Synaptic Transmission
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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
G
l
u
t
a
m
a
t
e
Glutamate
Gl
u
t
ama
t
e
is an example of an excitatory neurotransmitter.
What are the three roles of neurotransmitters in synaptic transmission?
Release, binding, response
G
A
B
A
GABA
G
A
B
A
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?
G
l
u
t
a
m
a
t
e
Glutamate
Gl
u
t
ama
t
e
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
G
A
B
A
GABA
G
A
B
A
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:
G
l
u
t
a
m
a
t
e
Glutamate
Gl
u
t
ama
t
e
↔️ Learning and memory
G
A
B
A
GABA
G
A
B
A
↔️ 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
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