BIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY
CHAPTER 2
SYNAPSES
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Synapses: A Comprehensive Overview of Neural Communication, Slides of Biological Psychology
A detailed explanation of synapses, the specialized junctions between neurons, and the process of chemical transmission. It covers key concepts such as temporal and spatial summation, excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic potentials, the discovery of chemical transmission, and the role of neurotransmitters. The document also explores the different types of synaptic effects, including ionotropic and metabotropic effects, and the role of neuropeptides in long-term changes in behavior. Finally, it discusses the inactivation and reuptake of neurotransmitters and the importance of negative feedback mechanisms in regulating synaptic transmission.
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2024/2025
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BIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY
CHAPTER 2
SYNAPSES
THE SYNAPSE
- (^) Synapse - Specialized gap that exists
between neurons
Neurons communicate by transmitting chemicals
across junction
THE SYNAPSE
Sherrington
Studied reflex arc to see how neurons communicate
Difference in speed of conduction in a reflex arc from
action potentials
TEMPORAL SUMMATION
Repeated stimuli over a short period of time produce a
stronger response
can have a cumulative effect and produce nerve impulse when
single stimulus too weak
TEMPORAL AND SPATIAL SUMMATION
TEMPORAL AND SPATIAL SUMMATION
Critical to brain functioning
Both ordinarily occur together
Order of a series of axons influences results
INHIBITORY SYNAPSES
During reflex, dog’s leg pinched retracts while other 3 extend
Interneuron in spinal cord
(^) send excitatory message to flexor muscles of 1 leg & extensor muscles of other 3 legs (^) inhibit extensor muscles in pinched leg & flexor muscles of other 3 legs
INHIBITORY POSTSYNAPTIC POTENTIAL
(IPSP)
Temporary hyperpolarization of
membrane
Synaptic input selectively opens gates
for K
to leave cell, or CL
to enter cells
Active “brake” suppresses excitation
THE DISCOVERY OF CHEMICAL TRANSMISSION AT SYNAPSES
Neurotransmitters: chemicals that travel across
synapse & allow communication between neurons
Chemical transmission predominates throughout nervous
system
THE SEQUENCE OF CHEMICAL EVENTS AT
THE SYNAPSE
(^) Neuron synthesizes chemicals (neurotransmitters) (^) Vesicles: neurotransmitters are held for release (^) Action potentials (^) Exocytosis: bursts of release of neurotransmitter from presynaptic terminal into synaptic cleft (caused by calcium entering cell) (^) Released molecules diffuse across cleft, attach to receptors, & alter activity of postsynaptic neuron
RELEASE AND DIFFUSION OF
TRANSMITTERS
Most neurons release at least 2+
different kinds of neurotransmitters
Neurons may respond to more
types of neurotransmitters than
released
Effects of neurotransmitters vary
depending on postsynaptic
receptor
IONOTROPIC EFFECTS
Occurs when a neurotransmitter attaches to a type of
receptor and immediately opens ion channels
Most effects:
Occur very quickly & are very short lasting
Rely mostly on glutamate (excitatory) or GABA (inhibitory)
Involved in processing visual and auditory stimuli
NEUROPEPTIDES
Often called neuromodulators
Release requires repeated stimulation
Released peptides trigger other neurons to release same
neuropeptide
Diffuse widely & affect many neurons via metabotropic
receptors
Hunger, thirst, & other long-term changes in behavior &
experience
DISTINCTIVE FEATURES OF
NEUROPEPTIDES
Neuropeptides Neurotransmitters Place synthesized Cell body Presynaptic terminal Place released Mostly from dendrites, also cell body and sides of axon Axon terminal Released by Repeated depolarization Single action potential Effect on neighboring cells They release the neuropeptide too No effect on neighbors Spread of effects Diffuse to wide area Effect mostly on receptors of the adjacent postsynaptic cell Duration of effects Minutes Milliseconds to seconds