synaptic transmission

• what is a synapse?

  the gaps between neurones
• what is the process of synaptic transmission?

  presynaptic neuron releases chemical neurotransmitter that diffuses across the synaptic gap to fit in the surface of the next postsynaptic cell
• what does the process of synaptic transmission trigger?

  action potential in the next cell
• what is action potential?


  the electrical impulse that travels along the membrane of a neuron
• where does action potential start?

  at the synapse when the neurotransmitter enters a receptor on the membrane of a dendrite
• what are excitatory neurotransmitters?

  neurotransmitters that depolarise the next cell
• what are two examples of excitatory neurotransmitters?

  adrenalin

  acetylcholine
• what are inhibitory neurotransmitters?

  neurotransmitters that make the next cell less likely to depolarise (less likely to fire)
• what is an example of inhibitory neurotransmitters?


  serotonin