Synapses

• Information flows from one neuron to another across a gap called a synapse.
• When the nerve impulse reaches the end of one neuron, chemicals called neurotransmitters drift out of the synaptic terminal and into the dendrites of the next neuron.
• Some synapses allow electricity to travel across them directly. The electric nerve impulse then continues down the next neuron, and so on, through the body.
• The neurotransmitters are stored in vesicles in axon terminal.
• Electrical signals open the ion channel that allows calcium ions in increased concentration. This causes the vesicles to move to the edge of the cell and release the neurotransmitters. These then cross the synaptic gap where they attach to receptors. These receptors then release sodium. This then causes the creation of a new electrical signal that passes through the new neuron.
• A neurotransmitter is a signaling molecule secreted by a neuron to affect another cell across a synapse.
• There are several different types of neurotransmitters. Some are excitatory and others are inhibiory.
• Inhibitory neurotransmitters block or prevent the chemical message from being passed along any farther.
• Excitatory neurotransmitters “excite” the neuron and cause it to “fire off the message,” meaning, the message continues to be passed along to the next cell.
• Dopamine: learning, attention and pleasurable sensations in body
• Serotonin: sleep and moods
• Noradrenaline: deals with stress, memory and dealing with threats.
• Endorphins: regulate feelings and pain.
• Each neuron creates just one type of neurotransmitter.