Biopsychology: Neurons P2

• A synapse is the space named inbetween two neurons.
• Chemical transmissions- signals within neurons are transmitted electronically however when neurons are transmitted across synapses it is done chemically
• When an electrical impulse reaches the end of a neuron it triggers the release of neurotransmitters from tiny sacs called synaptic vesicles.
• When the neurotransmitters reach the otherside it taken in by receptors.
• The chemical message is then converted back to electric transmissions so that the impulse can quickly mobile across the next neuron.

Neurotransmitters are chemicals that diffuse across the synapse to the next neuron in the chain.

7 neurotransmitters have been identified, each have there own unique shape and size that fits perfectly in the receptors. Lock and Key.

• The neurotransmitter Serotonin affects mood and social behaviour. This is important as it shows that it may be linked with depression, with more research into serotonin then depression maybe able to be treated more effectively, this shows the biopsychology approach has real life applications.

Neurotransmitters either have an exitatory or inhibitory effect on the neighbouring neuron.

• Adrenaline- Has an exitatory affect on the neighbouring neuron, this is because the postsynaptic neuron is postively charged making it more likely to fire this is why when the hormone adrenaline is realised you may have a quicker reacting time.

• Serotonin- Usually has an inhibitory affect, this is because the postsynaptic neuron is negatively charged making it less likely that the neuron will fire. This is why a symptom of depression is low mood levels and low reaction time because neurons will be less likely to fire decreasing the chance of the behaviour or an idea developing.