PSY 341 Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Otto Loewi, Vagus Nerve, Axon Terminal
Document Summary
Decreased the beating of frog heart immersed in a fluid through electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve (leads from brain to heart) The fluid was transferred to a second frog heart. The beating of the second frog heart decreased as well. Conclusion: the vagus nerve releases chemical that slows down the heart. Discovered the neurotransmitters acetylcholine (ach) (inhibits heartbeat) and epinephrine (ep)/adrenalin (excites the heart) Space between the axon terminal and the dendritic spine. Synaptic vesicles and storage granules (contain many vesicles) Neurotransmitter is created by the cell"s dna or building blocks are imported and stored in the cell. Neurotransmitters are then gathered in synaptic vesicles that are stored: The action potential opens calcium channels in the presynaptic membrane. A molecular complex then triggers the release of neurotransmitter into the synaptic cleft. Neurotransmitter travels across the synapse and interacts with the receptors on the target cell. Quantum = amount of neurotransmitter by release of one vesicle.
