Synapses
- Created by: tumblrgirl96
- Created on: 22-05-15 22:39
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- Synapse
- Where two neurones meet
- Gap between cells known as the synaptic cleft
- Stimulating neurone = presynaptic membrane
- Synaptic vesicles that contain neurotransmitters are found at the end of the neurone
- Arrival of action potential triggers release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft
- Neurotransmitters diffuse across the gap
- Leads to depolarisation of of the postsynaptic membrane
- Impulse propagated along the postsynaptic membrane
- Neurotransmitters bind to receptors on postsynaptic membrane
- Cations channels open and Na+ flow through the channel
- Neurotransmitters taken up across presynaptic membrane or diffused then broken down
- E.g. acetylcholine is broken up by acetylcholinesterase
- Leads to depolarisation of of the postsynaptic membrane
- When membrane is depolarised, Ca+ channels open and Ca+ ions enter the neurone
- Causes vesicles to fuse with membrane
- Neurotransmitters diffuse across the gap
- Receiving neurone = postsynaptic membrane
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