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Neurons and Synaptic Transmission - Coggle Diagram
Neurons and Synaptic Transmission
Synaptic Transmission
Process
Signal is received by pre-synaptic neuron
This triggers the release of neurotransmitters in the synapse. Glutamate is primary excitatory transmitter. GABA is primary inhibitory transmitter.
These bind to receptors on post-synaptic neuron which trigger a signal down the post-synaptic neuron.
Remaining neurotransmitter is then taken back (reuptake) into the pre-synaptic neuron.
Excitations and Inhibitions
Action potentials in dendrites are either excitatory (like car accelerator) or inhibitory (like car brakes)
Excitation - when receptor stimulation results in an increase in positive charge of post-synaptic neuron. Increases likelihood of neuron firing.
Inhibition - when receptor stimulation results in increase of negative charge of post-synaptic neuron. Decreases likelihood of neuron firing.
Sensory Neurons
Carry nerve impulses from sensory receptors (located across the body - eyes, ears, skin etc). Take information from the sensory receptors and turn them into neural impulses. The brain translates these impulses into sensations and then into actions.
Motor Neurons
Located in CNS but project axons outside CNS to control muscles. Form synapses with muscles to control movement. When activated, motor neurons release neurotransmitters which lead to muscle movement.
General structure of neurons
Cell body with dendrites that receive information from other neurons.
This information passes along the axon as an electrical impulse that travels to the synaptic knob.
Myelin Sheath insulates the axon to speed up transmission.
Neurotransmitters are chemicals that are released from the synaptic knob. They pass across the synapse, to pass the signal to the dendrites of the next neuron.
Relay Neurons
Allow information to pass between sensory neurons and motor neurons. They are only in the brain and spinal cord.
