Synaptic transmission

• Synaptic transmission is the process of the transmission of information from one neuron to another

  
• 1) electrical impulses (action potentials) reach the presynaptic terminal.

  2)electrical impulses (action potentials) trigger release of neurotransmitters (or named example)

  3)neurotransmitters diffuse across the synapse from vesicles

  4)neurotransmitters combine with receptors on the postsynaptic membrane

  5)stimulation of postsynaptic receptors by neurotransmitters result in either excitation (depolarisation) or inhibition (hyperpolarisation) of the postsynaptic membrane.
• •Neurotransmitters can be excitatory or inhibitory (most can be both but GABA is purely inhibitory).

  • If the neurotransmitter is excitatory then the post synaptic neuron is more likely to fire an impulse.
• • If the neurotransmitter is inhibitory then the post synaptic neuron is less likely to fire an impulse.

  • The excitatory and inhibitory influences are summed, if the net effect on the post synaptic neuron is inhibitory, the neuron will be less likely to 'fire' and if the net effect is excitatory, the neuron will be more likely to fire.
• Neurotransmitter
Chemical : substance that enables the transmission of nerve impulses from one neuron to another by crossing the synaptic cleft