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The Synapse

Chapter 11 - A & P Lecture

QuestionAnswer
what is a synapse Junction between two cells where an action potential in one cell influences another cell.
presynaptic vs postsynaptic cell Presynaptic = sends signal toward synapse; Postsynaptic = receives signal.
two types of synapses Electrical and chemical.
structure of electrical synapse Cells connected by gap junctions (connexons) allowing direct ion flow.
where are electrical synpases found Cardiac muscle and smooth muscle.
function of electrical synapses Rapid conduction + synchronized activity between cells.
how does signaling occur in electrical synapese Na⁺ flows directly through gap junctions → local current → triggers AP in adjacent cell.
Components of a chemical synapse? Presynaptic terminal, synaptic cleft, postsynaptic membrane.
What triggers neurotransmitter release? Action potential opens voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channels → Ca²⁺ influx.
Role of synaptic vesicles? Store neurotransmitters; release them via exocytosis when Ca²⁺ enters.
Chemical Synapse Process Step 1 of chemical transmission Step 2 of chemical transmission Step 3 of chemical transmission
Step 1 of chemical transmission? AP arrives → Ca²⁺ channels open → Ca²⁺ enters → vesicles activated.
Step 2 of chemical transmission? Vesicles fuse with membrane → neurotransmitter released into cleft.
Step 3 of chemical transmission? Neurotransmitter binds receptors → opens ligand-gated ion channels.
Result of neurotransmitter binding? Produces graded potential (depolarization or hyperpolarization).
What determines if a neurotransmitter is excitatory or inhibitory? Type of receptor on postsynaptic cell (not the neurotransmitter itself).
Ionotropic vs metabotropic effects? Ionotropic = direct ion channel; Metabotropic = G-protein mediated (slower, indirect).
Can one neurotransmitter have different effects? Yes—depends on receptor type and target cell.
Why must neurotransmitters be removed? To stop continuous stimulation; effects are short-lived.
How is acetylcholine (ACh) removed? Broken down by acetylcholinesterase → choline recycled.
How is norepinephrine removed? Reuptake into presynaptic cell + breakdown by MAO enzyme.
Criteria for a neurotransmitter? Synthesized in neuron, stored in vesicles, released by AP, binds receptor, causes response.
Main neurotransmitter classes? ACh, biogenic amines, amino acids, purines, neuropeptides, gases/lipids.
Main excitatory neurotransmitter in brain? Glutamate.
Main inhibitory neurotransmitter in brain? GABA.
EPSP (excitatory postsynaptic potential)? Depolarization → increases chance of reaching threshold.
IPSP (inhibitory postsynaptic potential)? Hyperpolarization → decreases chance of reaching threshold.
What are neuromodulators? Chemicals that alter likelihood of AP without directly causing it.
Presynaptic inhibition? Decreases neurotransmitter release.
Presynaptic facilitation? Increases neurotransmitter release.
Why is summation needed? Single graded potential usually not enough to reach threshold.
Spatial summation? Multiple inputs from different locations combine.
Temporal summation? Rapid successive inputs from same location combine.
What determines if an AP occurs at trigger zone? Net effect of EPSPs and IPSPs reaching threshold.
Sequence of neuron communication? Graded potential → threshold → AP → propagation → neurotransmitter release → postsynaptic response.
 

 



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