biopsychology: synapses

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  • Created by: IvyVega
  • Created on: 26-05-18 17:47
a synapse
each neuron is separated from the next by a tiny gap called the synapse
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chemical transmission. the events that occur at the synapse 1
signals within neurons are transmitted electrically: however, signals between neurons are transmitted chemically across the synapse. when the electrical impulse reaches neurons it triggers the release of neurotransmitter from tiny sacs
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chemical transmission. the events that occur at the synapse 2
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 the process of electric transmission begins.
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neurotransmitters 1
neurotransmitters are chemicals that diffuse across the synapse to the next neuron in the chain. several dozen neurotransmiters have been identified. each has its own specific molecular structure that fits perfectly into a post-synaptic receptor site
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neurotransmitters 2
each has specific functions. acetylcholine found where a motor neuron meets a muscle, causing musles to contract. serotonin affects mood and social behaviour which is why it has been implicated as a cause of depression.
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excitation and inhibition
neurotransmitters generally have either an excitatory or in hibitory effect on the neighbouring neuron.
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adrenaline
generally excitatory, increasing the positive charge of the postsynaptic neuron, making it more likely the neuron will fire.
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serotonin
generally inhibitory, increasing the negative charge of the postsynaptic neuron, making it less likely the neuron will fire.
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dopamine
is an unusual neurotransmitter as it is equally likely to have excitatory or inhibitory effects on the next neuron in the chain.
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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

signals within neurons are transmitted electrically: however, signals between neurons are transmitted chemically across the synapse. when the electrical impulse reaches neurons it triggers the release of neurotransmitter from tiny sacs

Back

chemical transmission. the events that occur at the synapse 1

Card 3

Front

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 the process of electric transmission begins.

Back

Preview of the back of card 3

Card 4

Front

neurotransmitters are chemicals that diffuse across the synapse to the next neuron in the chain. several dozen neurotransmiters have been identified. each has its own specific molecular structure that fits perfectly into a post-synaptic receptor site

Back

Preview of the back of card 4

Card 5

Front

each has specific functions. acetylcholine found where a motor neuron meets a muscle, causing musles to contract. serotonin affects mood and social behaviour which is why it has been implicated as a cause of depression.

Back

Preview of the back of card 5
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