Synapses 1 5.3.5
Structure of cholinergic synapses
Synapse is a junction between neurones where they can communicate
Action potential cannot bridge the gap between neurones
- Action potential in the pre-synaptic neurone causes release of a neurotransmitter that
diffuses across synaptic cleft to generate a new action potential
The pre-synaptic bulb
Specialised features
o Many mitochondria – more ATP
o Many SER to package neurotransmitters into vesicles
o Large numbers of vesicles w/ acetylcholine
o Many voltage gated Ca+ channels
The post-synaptic membrane
Specialised Na+ channels that reposed to acetylcholine
Specialised receptor sites that are complimentary to acetylcholine
Transmission across synapse
Structure of cholinergic synapses
Synapse is a junction between neurones where they can communicate
Action potential cannot bridge the gap between neurones
- Action potential in the pre-synaptic neurone causes release of a neurotransmitter that
diffuses across synaptic cleft to generate a new action potential
The pre-synaptic bulb
Specialised features
o Many mitochondria – more ATP
o Many SER to package neurotransmitters into vesicles
o Large numbers of vesicles w/ acetylcholine
o Many voltage gated Ca+ channels
The post-synaptic membrane
Specialised Na+ channels that reposed to acetylcholine
Specialised receptor sites that are complimentary to acetylcholine
Transmission across synapse
