synaptic transmission

• What is a synapse?


  A synapse is a specialized junction where neurons communicate with each other or with other target cells.
• Why are synapses crucial in the nervous system?

  They are crucial for the transmission of electrical signals in the form of chemical messages across the synaptic cleft.
• What is the gap between neurons at a synapse called?


  The gap is called the synaptic cleft.
• What are the key functions of synapses?

  - Allow communication between neurons - Convert electrical signals to chemical signals and back - Facilitate the transmission of signals across the synaptic cleft
• What are the main components of a synapse?

  The main components are the presynaptic terminal, synaptic cleft, and postsynaptic membrane.
• What do synaptic vesicles contain?

  Synaptic vesicles contain neurotransmitters.
• What is found in the presynaptic terminal of a synapse?

  The presynaptic terminal contains synaptic vesicles, mitochondria, and active zones.
• What is the role of mitochondria in the presynaptic terminal?

  Mitochondria provide energy for neurotransmitter synthesis and release.
• What is the width of the synaptic cleft?

  The synaptic cleft is about 20-40 nanometers wide.
• What happens when neurotransmitters bind to receptors on the postsynaptic membrane?


  Binding causes ion channels to open, allowing specific ions to flow in or out of the cell.
• What are the two types of receptors found on the postsynaptic membrane?

  The two types are ionotropic receptors and metabotropic receptors.
• What is the difference between an Excitatory Postsynaptic Potential (EPSP) and an Inhibitory Postsynaptic Potential (IPSP)?

  An EPSP makes the neuron more likely to fire, while an IPSP makes it less likely to fire.
• What is the process of neurotransmitter release called?

  The process is called exocytosis.
• What triggers the release of neurotransmitters from the presynaptic terminal?

  The arrival of an action potential triggers the release.
• What happens during the recovery period of a synapse?

  The synapse needs a brief recovery period before it can transmit another signal effectively.
• Why is neurotransmitter removal important?

  It prevents continuous signaling and allows the synapse to reset for future signaling.
• What could happen if neurotransmitters are not removed from the synaptic cleft?

  If neurotransmitters are not removed, it could lead to continuous stimulation of the postsynaptic neuron.
• What is the role of receptor desensitization in synaptic transmission?

  Receptor desensitization reduces the responsiveness of receptors after prolonged exposure to neurotransmitters.
• What is the first step in neurotransmitter release?

  The first step is the arrival of an action potential at the presynaptic terminal.
• What is the significance of calcium influx in neurotransmitter release?

  Calcium influx triggers the opening of voltage-gated calcium channels, leading to vesicle fusion and neurotransmitter release.
• How does the process of neurotransmitter binding affect the postsynaptic neuron?

  Neurotransmitter binding changes the membrane potential of the postsynaptic neuron, influencing its likelihood to fire an action potential.
• What is the role of ion channels in the postsynaptic response?

  Ion channels allow specific ions to flow in or out of the postsynaptic cell, affecting its membrane potential.
• What is the main function of the postsynaptic membrane?

  The main function is to receive neurotransmitters and facilitate the postsynaptic response.
• How do the processes of reuptake and enzymatic degradation contribute to neurotransmitter removal?

  Reuptake involves taking neurotransmitters back into the presynaptic neuron, while enzymatic degradation breaks them down, both preventing continuous signaling.
• What happens during the process of diffusion in synaptic transmission?

  Neurotransmitters diffuse across the synaptic cleft towards the postsynaptic membrane.
• What is the significance of vesicle recycling in synaptic transmission?

  Vesicle recycling allows empty synaptic vesicles to be refilled with neurotransmitters for future signaling.
• What is the role of active zones in the presynaptic terminal?

  Active zones are areas where vesicles dock and release neurotransmitters.
• How does the structure of a synapse facilitate its function?


  The specific structure of a synapse, including the presynaptic terminal, synaptic cleft, and postsynaptic membrane, allows for efficient communication between neurons.
• What is the relationship between action potentials and neurotransmitter release?

  Action potentials trigger the release of neurotransmitters at the presynaptic terminal, facilitating synaptic transmission.
• What is the function of receptors on the postsynaptic membrane?


  Receptors bind to neurotransmitters and initiate the postsynaptic response.
• What is the primary role of neurotransmitters in synaptic transmission?

  Neurotransmitters transmit signals across the synaptic cleft from one neuron to another.
• What is the significance of the refractory period in synaptic transmission?

  The refractory period allows the synapse to reset and prevents immediate reactivation, ensuring discrete signaling.
• How do neurotransmitter binding and receptor types influence the postsynaptic response?

  Different receptor types (ionotropic and metabotropic) lead to different postsynaptic responses, affecting whether the neuron is more or less likely to fire.