synaptic transmission

Cards (9)

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