Synaptic Transmission

• what is the other name of the synapse, and where is it located?

  - the synapse is also called an axon terminal, as it is located at the end of a nerve cell

  - the synaptic cleft is the gap between the axon terminal and the next cell
• what is the function of the synapse?

  - it is the point where one neuron (presynaptic) can send a chemical message to an adjacent neuron (post synaptic)
• name and describe the function of an action potential and the presynaptic neuron


  - action potential - electrical messages travels down the axon to the terminal

  - presynaptic neuron (membrane) - sends the chemical message
• name and describe the function of a vesicle and the synaptic cleft

  - vesicle - contains neurotransmitters that are pushed into the synaptic cleft

  - synaptic cleft - space between the pre and postsynaptic neurons
• name and describe the function of the postsynaptic neuron and receptor sites

  - postsynaptic neuron - (membrane) receives chemical messages

  - receptor site - detects the presence of neurotransmitters
• name and describe the function of transport proteins

  - transport protein - returns neurotransmitter to presynaptic cell
• outline the difference between excitatory and initiatory neurotransmitters


  - excitatory increase the likelihood of a new action potential forming in the postsynaptic cell

  - inhibitory decrease the likelihood of a new action potential forming in the postsynaptic cell
• define summation

  - combined effect of excitatory & inhibitory neurotransmitter influences of the postsynaptic neuron

  - if a threshold is reached, then a new action potential will form