Biopsychology- Synaptic Transmission

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  • 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

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