NSCI 1001 Lecture 3: Class 3 - Chemical Signaling

• School: UMN
• Department: Neuroscience Department
• Course: NSCI 1001
• Professor: Alfonso Araque

Document Summary

Chemical signals cross the synapse from the presynaptic side to the postsynaptic side. These chemical signals form the basis for chemical communication. Ca channels open allowing ca to flow into the cell. Post-synaptic cell decides if it will fire an action potential. Synthesis: the neurotransmitter is manufactured in the cell. Steps in synaptic transmission (same as above but explained differently) Action potential: a depolarizing action potential arrives at the axon terminal. Ca influx: voltage-gated ca channels open allowing ca to flow into the presynaptic cell. Movement of the synaptic vesicles: the ca causes the synaptic vesicles to move to the membrane and fuse with the membrane. Receptor activation: neurotransmitters in the synapse can freely move about. If they interact with a receptor (bind to it) they activate the receptor to stimulate electrical charges in the postsynaptic neuron. Some neurotransmitters stimulate the postsynaptic neuron (excitatory neurotransmitters), while other neurotransmitters inhibit the postsynaptic neuron (inhibitory neurotransmitters)