Synaptic Transmission: Anatomy and Process
Explore the fundamentals of synaptic transmission. Draw and label a synapse, and investigate the events that occur in both excitatory and inhibitory neurons. Contrast temporal and spatial summation, and diverging and converging pathways.
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Synaptic Transmission: Anatomy and Process
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Synaptic Transmission: Anatomy and Process - Flashcards
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List of Questions20 questions
- Question 1
- Ionotropic receptors are ligand-gated ion channels that cause rapid changes in membrane potential, whereas metabotropic receptors activate intracellular signaling cascades that can lead to longer-lasting effects.
- Question 2
- SNARE proteins mediate the fusion of synaptic vesicles with the presynaptic membrane, allowing neurotransmitters to be released into the synaptic cleft.
- Question 3
- Serotonin is synthesized from tryptophan, stored in vesicles, released into the synapse via exocytosis, and then either binds to postsynaptic receptors or is transported back into the presynaptic neuron by reuptake transporters.
- Question 4
- An EPSP is a depolarization that increases the likelihood of an action potential, while an IPSP is a hyperpolarization that decreases the likelihood of an action potential. Neuronal integration involves the summation of EPSPs and IPSPs to determine whether a neuron will fire.
- Question 5
- LTP strengthens synaptic connections, enhancing the response of the postsynaptic neuron to subsequent stimulation. LTD weakens synaptic connections, reducing the postsynaptic response, and both contribute to synaptic plasticity.
- Question 6
- Spatial summation involves the integration of multiple synaptic inputs arriving at different locations on the neuron at the same time. Temporal summation involves the integration of synaptic inputs arriving at the same location on the neuron in rapid succession.
- Question 7
- Neuromodulators can alter synaptic transmission by modulating neurotransmitter release, receptor sensitivity, or neuronal excitability, often through metabotropic receptors and intracellular signaling pathways.
- Question 8
- SSRIs block the reuptake of serotonin, increasing its concentration in the synaptic cleft. Benzodiazepines enhance the effects of GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter, leading to increased inhibition in the brain.
- Question 9
- Arrival of action potential, opening of calcium channels, influx of calcium, vesicle fusion and neurotransmitter release, neurotransmitter binding to receptors on postsynaptic neuron, ion channels open/close, PSP generated.
- Question 10
- Synaptic pruning is the elimination of excess synapses during development and adolescence to refine neural circuits and improve efficiency. It's important for optimizing brain function and adapting to changing environmental demands.
- Question 11
- Chemical synapses use neurotransmitters for signal transmission, allowing for signal amplification and modulation but with slower transmission speeds. Electrical synapses use gap junctions for direct ion flow, enabling rapid and synchronous transmission but lacking plasticity.
- Question 12
- The size of the synaptic cleft affects neurotransmitter diffusion and clearance, while the number of receptors determines the postsynaptic response to neurotransmitter binding. Larger clefts reduce the likelihood of interaction, while more receptors increase response.
- Question 13
- Astrocytes regulate neurotransmitter levels, provide metabolic support, and modulate synaptic plasticity. Microglia clear debris and modulate synaptic function by releasing signaling molecules.
- Question 14
- Dale's principle states that a neuron releases the same neurotransmitter(s) at all of its synapses. Exceptions include neurons that co-release multiple neurotransmitters and those that can switch neurotransmitter phenotypes.
- Question 15
- Botulism prevents the release of acetylcholine, leading to muscle paralysis. Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies block acetylcholine receptors, also leading to muscle weakness.
- Question 16
- Anticholinesterase drugs inhibit the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, which breaks down acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft. This results in increased levels and prolonged action of acetylcholine at cholinergic synapses.
- Question 17
- Curare blocks acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction, preventing the binding of acetylcholine and blocking the generation of action potentials in skeletal muscles. This results in muscle paralysis and respiratory failure.
- Question 18
- Divergence occurs when one neuron synapses onto multiple downstream neurons, amplifying the signal. Convergence occurs when multiple neurons synapse onto a single neuron, allowing for integration of multiple inputs.
- Question 19
- Calcium ions ($Ca^{2+}$) trigger the fusion of synaptic vesicles with the presynaptic membrane, leading to the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft.
- Question 20
- A synapse is a junction between two nerve cells, consisting of a minute gap across which impulses pass by diffusion of a neurotransmitter.
List of Flashcards16 flashcards
- Card 1HintThink of it as a gap or a bridge between cells.Memory TipSynapse: where neurons 'snap' together to communicate!
- Card 2HintLike passing a message in a relay race.Memory TipTransmitting signals is the synapse's vital mission.
- Card 3HintA brief electrical signal that travels along a neuron's axon.Memory TipThink of 'Action!' like a neuron shouting a message.
- Card 4HintThey trigger the exocytosis of synaptic vesicles.Memory TipCalcium ions are key 'triggers' for neurotransmitter release.
- Card 5HintSpecific channels that open in response to depolarization.Memory TipChannels swing open when calcium's given the signal.
- Card 6HintThey fuse with the presynaptic membrane to release neurotransmitters.Memory TipVesicles are like 'vehicles' carrying neurotransmitter cargo.
- Card 7HintThe space across which neurotransmitters travel.Memory TipCleft: the gap where neurons 'left' the neurotransmitters.
- Card 8HintThe neuron 'before' the synapse.Memory TipThe 'pre' neuron 'presents' the signal.
- Card 9HintThe neuron 'after' the synapse.Memory TipThe 'post' neuron 'processes' the signal.
- Card 10HintIt depolarizes the postsynaptic membrane.Memory TipExcitatory synapse: excites the next neuron to fire.
- Card 11HintIt hyperpolarizes the postsynaptic membrane.Memory TipInhibitory synapse: inhibits neuron from firing (quiet!).
- Card 12HintA step-by-step process of cell signaling.Memory TipArrival, Calcium, Vesicle fusion, Binding, Effect cascade
- Card 13HintCombining multiple inputs to reach a threshold.Memory TipSummation: adding up signals for a big decision.
- Card 14HintThink of one drummer hitting the drum as fast as possibleMemory TipTemporal: 'Time' based, rapid firing from one source.
- Card 15HintThink of a chorus all singing at onceMemory TipSpatial: 'Space' based, multiple sources at once.
- Card 16HintEach substance affects acetylcholine differently.Memory TipBotulism (blocks), Curare (receptors), MG (destroys), Anti-cholinesterase (inhibits).