Synaptic transmission is the process by which neurons communicate through neurotransmitters across the synaptic cleft. It involves the release of these chemical messengers by a presynaptic neuron, which then bind to receptors on a postsynaptic neuron, influencing its activity. This can result in either excitation or inhibition of the postsynaptic neuron, depending on the neurotransmitter type. The action potential plays a critical role in this process, initiating the release of neurotransmitters and thus enabling neural communication.
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Synaptic transmission can occur through either electrical or chemical synapses, with the latter being more prevalent in humans
Release of Neurotransmitters
When a presynaptic neuron is stimulated, it releases neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft
Binding of Neurotransmitters to Receptors
Neurotransmitters bind to specific receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, either causing excitation or inhibition
Reuptake or Breakdown of Neurotransmitters
After signal transmission, neurotransmitters are either taken back into the presynaptic neuron or broken down by enzymes
Action potentials are essential for neuronal communication, representing rapid changes in the neuron's membrane potential
Neurons are composed of dendrites, a cell body, an axon, and axon terminals, which all play a role in the transmission of signals
A neuron at rest maintains a resting potential, but upon receiving a stimulus, it depolarizes and may trigger an action potential
Following an action potential, the neuron enters a refractory period, temporarily unable to initiate another action potential
Synaptic transmission is the primary way neurons communicate, allowing for the transfer of signals through neurotransmitters
The human brain, with an estimated 100 billion neurons, relies on synaptic transmission for all its functions
Synaptic transmission plays a crucial role in a variety of functions, from simple reflexes to complex cognitive activities
00
The ______ ______ contains roughly 100 billion neurons that rely on synaptic transmission for functioning.
human
brain
01
Define action potential.
An electrical signal that travels along a neuron's axon, triggering neurotransmitter release.
02
Describe synaptic transmission process.
Electrical impulse reaches axon terminal, neurotransmitters released, cross synaptic cleft, bind to postsynaptic receptors.
