Summary Synapses and Neurotransmitters

Synapses and Neurotransmitters
Synaptic Transmision:
Neutral netwroks - neurons communciate with each other within groups.
They don’t physically touch but are separated by a synaptic celft.
Signals between neurons have to be transmitted chemically using biochemical substances called neurotransmitters.
When the action potential (AP) reaches the end of a neuron it triggers the release of neurotransmitters from tiny sacs
called synaptic vesicles.




Functions of Neurotransmitters:
Each neurotransmitter has its own
specific mollecular structure that fits
into specific type of postsynaptic
receptor.
Acetylcholine (ACh) is found where a
motor neuron meets a muscle and
upon its release will cause the muscle
to contract.




Excitation and Inhibition:
Seretonin causes inhibtion in the
postsynaptic neuron making it
negatievly charged and less likely to
fire.
Dopamine causes excitation of the
postsynaptic neurone by increasing its
positively charged and making it more
likely to fire.




Summation - the adding together of signals over time or space.