6. Synaptic Transmission

A type of synapse where the axon terminal of one neuron synapses onto the dendrite of another neuron.

A type of synapse where the axon terminal of one neuron synapses onto the cell body (soma) of another neuron.

A type of synapse where the axon terminal of one neuron synapses onto the axon of another neuron.

A type of synapse where the axon terminal of one neuron synapses onto a dendritic spine of another neuron.

A type of synapse where the dendrite of one neuron synapses onto the dendrite of another neuron.

A type of synapse where the postsynaptic membrane is thicker than the presynaptic membrane, typically associated with excitatory neurotransmission.

A type of synapse where the postsynaptic and presynaptic membranes are of similar thickness, typically associated with inhibitory neurotransmission.

The process of neurotransmitter release, receptor binding, and signal transduction at the synapse.

A chemical messenger that transmits signals across the synapse.

The phase where a neuron's membrane potential returns to its resting negative value after an action potential. This occurs due to potassium ions (K+) flowing out of the neuron through potassium channels.

A period following an action potential where the neuron is temporarily unable to fire another action potential.

The point of communication between two neurons, where information is transferred.

A type of synapse where electrical current flows directly between neurons through gap junctions. This allows for very fast and bidirectional communication.

A type of synapse where chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) are released from the presynaptic neuron to the postsynaptic neuron.

The neuron that sends the signal or information to another neuron.

The neuron that receives the signal or information from another neuron.

The opposing force between excitatory and inhibitory inputs in neurons, where inhibitory inputs counteract excitatory inputs.

A type of synapse where GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter, prevents the excitation of a neuron by blocking the flow of excitatory signals.

A property of neurons where they can generate action potentials without external excitatory inputs, often due to the presence of specific ion channels.

The ability of dendrites to integrate signals from multiple synapses, with synapses further away from the cell body generally having a weaker influence.

A method for identifying the location of neurotransmitters in brain tissue by using antibodies that specifically bind to the target neurotransmitter.

The change in the postsynaptic cell's membrane potential caused by the release of neurotransmitters from the presynaptic cell.

A PSP that increases the probability of the postsynaptic neuron firing an action potential.

A PSP that decreases the probability of the postsynaptic neuron firing an action potential.

The membrane potential at which the direction of ionic current reverses.

The summation of EPSPs from different synapses converging onto a single postsynaptic neuron.

The summation of EPSPs from the same synapse occurring in rapid succession.

The process by which multiple EPSPs are combined to reach the threshold for action potential firing.

A miniature excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) caused by the release of a single vesicle of neurotransmitter.

The probability that a presynaptic action potential will trigger the release of neurotransmitters.

The number of vesicles released per action potential.

An energy-dependent process that utilizes the SNARE complex, causing the merging of a vesicle's membrane with the cell membrane, and releasing the vesicle's contents into the extracellular space.

A type of exocytosis where the vesicle only partially merges with the cell membrane, releasing a portion of its contents before detaching and becoming available for subsequent release.

The process of retrieving vesicle membrane and proteins after exocytosis, allowing for reuse. Re-entry of vesicle material to the presynaptic cell

A type of vesicle recycling where the vesicle membrane is retrieved through endocytosis. Clathrin is a protein involved in this process.

A receptor that directly opens an ion channel upon neurotransmitter binding.

A receptor that indirectly opens ion channels via a chain of intracellular events triggered by neurotransmitter binding. The activation of a G protein leads to activation of other signaling pathways, leading to the opening of ion channels

The process of removing neurotransmitters from the synaptic cleft, which can involve neurotransmitter transporters or enzymatic degradation.

A single vesicle containing a specific amount of neurotransmitter. The amount of transmitter in one vesicle = one quantum.

The number of vesicles that can be released from a presynaptic terminal.

The likelihood that a vesicle will be released from the presynaptic terminal. Influenced by calcium concentration.