Psychology Synapse Definitions
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Questions and Answers

What is a synapse?

  • Tiny spaces between neurons (correct)
  • The main cell body of a neuron
  • A large gap between neurons
  • A part of the neuron structure

    • What is the synaptic gap?

    The gaps between neurons.

    What does a presynaptic (sending) neuron do?

    Transmits an electrical impulse across a synaptic cleft by releasing a neurotransmitter.

    What is the role of a post-synaptic (receiving) neuron?

    <p>Receives an electrical impulse from a presynaptic neuron across a synaptic cleft.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are neurotransmitters?

    <p>Chemical substances involved in transmitting information across a synaptic gap.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do vesicles do?

    <p>Carry/hold the neurotransmitters.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are receptors?

    <p>Detect certain neurotransmitters to be used.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do transporters (reuptake pumps) do?

    <p>Reuptake excess neurotransmitters not used during the nerve impulse.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is reuptake?

    <p>The reabsorption of a neurotransmitter by a neurotransmitter transporter of a presynaptic neuron.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Synapse Overview

    • Synapse: The tiny junctions between neurons that facilitate communication.
    • Synaptic Gap: The spaces separating neurons where neurotransmitter transmission occurs.

    Neuron Functions

    • Presynaptic Neuron: Sends electrical impulses across the synaptic cleft to the post-synaptic neuron through neurotransmitter release from axon terminals.
    • Post-Synaptic Neuron: Receives the electrical impulse at its dendrites or cell body via neurotransmitter binding from the presynaptic neuron.

    Neurotransmitter Role

    • Neurotransmitters: Chemical messengers stored in vesicles, crucial for transmitting information across synaptic gaps between neurons.
    • Vesicles: Small sacs within the neuron’s terminal buttons that hold neurotransmitters until their release is triggered.

    Neurotransmitter Interaction

    • Receptors: Proteins on the post-synaptic neuron that detect and bind specific neurotransmitters enabling the transmission of the neural signal.
    • Transporters (Reuptake Pumps): Structures that reabsorb neurotransmitters that are not utilized during the nerve impulse, maintaining neurotransmitter levels.

    Reuptake Process

    • Reuptake: The process where excess neurotransmitters are absorbed back into the presynaptic neuron, concluding their role in the transmission of the neural impulse.

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    Description

    Test your knowledge of key synapse-related terms in psychology with these flashcards. Learn about the different types of synapses and their functions. Perfect for psychology students looking to enhance their understanding of neural communication.

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