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Questions and Answers
What is the function of the synaptic vesicles at the end of the axon?
What is the role of the receptor sites on the dendrite adjacent to the axon terminal?
What is the function of neurotransmitters in the synaptic gap?
Why are receptor sites on the dendrite described as having a special shape?
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What is the significance of the synaptic gap between the axon terminal and the dendrite?
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What is the term for the process where neurotransmitters are sucked back into the synaptic vesicles?
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Which type of neurotransmitters turn cells off?
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What happens to neurotransmitters after they have served their purpose in the receptor sites?
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Why is it essential for the synapse to clear out neurotransmitters from the receptor sites?
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What is the term for neurotransmitters that activate cells?
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Study Notes
Neuron Structure
- The axon branches out into several "limbs" called axon terminals, each with a knob at the tip called the synaptic knob or terminal button.
- The synaptic knob contains small saclike structures called synaptic vesicles, which store chemicals called neurotransmitters suspended in fluid.
Synaptic Vesicles and Neurotransmitters
- Synaptic vesicles contain molecules of neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that transmit signals between neurons.
- The word "vesicle" comes from the Latin for "little blister" or "fluid-filled sac".
Synapse and Synaptic Gap
- The synaptic knob is next to the dendrite of another neuron, separated by a fluid-filled space called the synapse or synaptic gap.
Neurotransmitter Release and Reception
- When an electrical charge reaches the synaptic vesicles, they release neurotransmitters into the synaptic gap.
- Neurotransmitters then float across the synapse and fit into special receptor sites on the surface of the dendrite.
- The shape of the receptor site allows only specific molecules of neurotransmitters to fit in, like a key in a keyhole.
Activation and Deactivation
- The release of neurotransmitters activates the next cell, stimulating the action potential.
- Neurons also have mechanisms to turn off the signal, preventing prolonged stimulation.
- Neurotransmitters can be either excitatory (turning cells on) or inhibitory (turning cells off).
Reuptake and Deactivation
- After neurotransmitters have done their job, they are either taken back up by the synaptic vesicles through a process called reuptake or deactivated by enzymes in the synapse.
- This clears the synapse for the next release of neurotransmitters.
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Description
Learn about the role of synaptic vesicles in axon terminals and how neurotransmitters are stored inside them. Explore the structure and function of axon terminals in the nervous system.
