Neurotransmitter Communication Notes

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Neurotransmitter
Communication
Created @January 21, 2025 11:24 AM

Class Principles to Neuroscience and Pharmacology

Neuronal Communication
Neurons communicating with each other using electrical and chemical signals



Neurotransmitters-
Brain chemicals stored in axon terminals and synapses that transmit the
neuron signals



Classification of Neurotransmitters

Synthesized and stored in presynaptic neuron

Released by presynaptic axon terminal

Produces responses in postsynaptic cells



Synapse Structure:

Presynaptic terminal
The axon end forms a synapse

Mitochondria
Energy for synaptic transmission




Neurotransmitter Communication 1

, Secretory granules
Contains neuropeptide chemicals to activate receptors on surrounding
neurons

Synaptic Cleft
Area in a synapse

Synaptic vesicles
Prevents degradation of neurotransmitters caused by surrounding
enzymes

Active zone
Part of presynaptic regions for synaptic vesicles to dock and be released

Postsynaptic density
Area of postsynaptic membrane containing lots of receptors




Presynaptic Terminal

Neurotransmitters and enzymes needed for protein synthesis

Vesicular transporters- Proteins transport neurotransmitters to synaptic
vesicles

Reuptake transporters- Proteins transporting transmitters back into
presynaptic terminal

Degradative enzymes break down loose transmitters




Postsynaptic Region Proteins that accept relayed signals from
neurotransmitters

Receptors
Proteins that accept relayed signals from neurotransmitters




Neurotransmitter Communication 2