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The Synapse
• A synapse is the “gap” between the axon
of one nerve and the dendrite of the next
one.
• The average neuron has 1,000 synapses
with other neurons.
What does a synapse look like?
Electron Micrograph
Microscopy with
Microscopy with
Fluorescent Proteins
Fluorescent Proteins
Murthy_HHMI_teachers_2005_sub.ppt
A chemical synapse
Key to Previous Diagram
1. Impulse from action potential opens ion
channels for Ca++
2. The increased Ca++ concentration in the axon
terminal initiates the release of the
neurotransmitter (NT)
3. NT is released from its vesicle and crosses the
“gap” or synaptic cleft and attaches to a
protein receptor on the dendrite
Key to Diagram (cont.)
4. Interaction of NT and protein receptor
open post-synaptic membrane ion
channel for Na+
5. After transmission the NT is either
degraded by an enzyme or taken back
into the pre-synaptic membrane by a
transporter or reuptake pump
Synapse Animation
To see an animation of
a synapse, click here.
Copyright - Pearson Education
Neurotransmitters
• There are dozens of different
neurotransmitters (NT) in the neurons of
the body.
• NTs can be either excitatory or inhibitory
• Each neuron generally synthesizes and
releases a single type of neurotransmitter
• The major neurotransmitters are indicated
on the next slide.
Major Neurotransmitters in the Body
Neurotransmitter
Role in the Body
Acetylcholine
A neurotransmitter used by the spinal cord neurons to control
muscles and by many neurons in the brain to regulate memory.
In most instances, acetylcholine is excitatory.
Dopamine
The neurotransmitter that produces feelings of pleasure when
released by the brain reward system. Dopamine has multiple
functions depending on where in the brain it acts. It is usually
inhibitory.
GABA
(gamma-aminobutyric acid)
The major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain.
Glutamate
The most common excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain.
Glycine
A neurotransmitter used mainly by neurons in the spinal cord. It
probably always acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter.
Norepinephrine
Norepinephrine acts as a neurotransmitter and a hormone. In the
peripheral nervous system, it is part of the flight-or-flight
response. In the brain, it acts as a neurotransmitter regulating
normal brain processes. Norepinephrine is usually excitatory, but
is inhibitory in a few brain areas.
Serotonin
A neurotransmitter involved in many functions including mood,
appetite, and sensory perception. In the spinal cord, serotonin is
NIH Publication No. 00-4871
inhibitory in pain pathways.
Drugs Interfere with
Neurotransmission
•
Drugs can affect synapses at a variety of
sites and in a variety of ways, including:
1. Increasing number of impulses
2. Release NT from vesicles with or without
impulses
3. Block reuptake or block receptors
4. Produce more or less NT
5. Prevent vesicles from releasing NT