Psychology Synapse Definitions

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?

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

What are neurotransmitters?

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

What do vesicles do?

Carry/hold the neurotransmitters. Signup and view all the answers

What are receptors?

Detect certain neurotransmitters to be used. Signup and view all the answers

What do transporters (reuptake pumps) do?

Reuptake excess neurotransmitters not used during the nerve impulse. Signup and view all the answers

What is reuptake?

The reabsorption of a neurotransmitter by a neurotransmitter transporter of a presynaptic neuron. 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.

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.