Biopsychology- Synaptic Transmission
- Created by: odavid601
- Created on: 10-06-19 09:07
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- Synaptic Transmission
- Synapse
- Each neuron is separate from the next by a tiny gap called the synapse
- Chemical Transmission
- Signals between neurons are transmitted chemically across the synapse
- Events at the synapse
- When the electrical impulse reaches the end of the neuron (the presynaptic terminal) it triggers the release of neurotransmitter from tiny sacs called synaptic vesicles
- Once the neurotransmitter crosses the gap it is taken up by the postsynaptic receptor site on the next neuron
- The chemical message is converted back into an electrical impulse and process of electrical transmission begins
- Neurotransmitters
- Chemicals that diffuse across the synapse to the next neuron in the chain
- Each has its own specific molecular structure that fits perfects into a postsynaptic receptor receptor site like a lock an key
- Acetylcholine- found where motor neuron meets a muscle causing muscles to contract
- Serotonin affects mood and social behaviour which is why it has been implicated s a cause of depression
- Excitation and Inhibition
- NT have either an excitatory or inhibitory effect on neighbouring neurons
- Adrenaline- excitatory increasing the + charge of the postsynaptic neuron making it morel likely to fire
- Serotonin- inhibitory increasing the negative charge of the postsynaptic neuron making it less likely to fire.
- Dopamine- equally likely to have excitatory or inhibitory
- Synapse
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