PGY 300 Lecture 5: Neurophysiology - The Synapse
11 Feb 2017
School
Department
Course
Professor
Document Summary
2 neurons communicating with each other at a synapse. Channels from one cell physically connected to channels from another cell charges from one cell goes through channels (gap junction channels) into postsynaptic cell. Postsynaptic cell responds at the fraction of the stimulus brought upon by presynaptic cell. Postsynaptic cell can only do what presynaptic cell is doing. Neurotransmitter chemical released by presynaptic cell crosses gap to go to postsynaptic cell. Diffusion is very fast over short distances. Small sphere packed with neurotransmitter (made in soma and transported down in terminal) Other neurotransmitters can be made/remade at synapse itself. Action potential travels down axon to reach terminal. Electrical signal that reaches terminal must be converted to chemical signal (neurotransmitter) Released by presynaptic cell and diffuses into synaptic space between 2 cells. Postsynaptic cell responds by opening channels, generating biochemical events, etc. Membrane is packed with a bunch of proteins. Guide vesicle as it travels inside presynaptic terminal.
