Explain the process of synaptic transmission

Electrical impulses are sent through a neuron’s axon which are translated into chemical signals at the terminal button. Here, vesicles containing neurotransmitters are released which fuse with the outer membrane of the neuron and release neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft. Here, the neurotransmitters will bind to a specific neurotransmitter receptor and eventually trigger the release of another electrical impulse in the postsynaptic neuron (generated by the axon hillock). Neurotransmitters which haven’t binded are either destroyed by enzymes in the cleft or reuptaken by the presynaptic neuron. 

Answered by Psychology tutor

2913 Views

See similar Psychology A Level tutors

Related Psychology A Level answers

All answers ▸

To what extent can the behaviourist approach in psychology be understood to be supportive of the nurture argument


Evaluate the multi-store model of memory (4 marks).


Briefly describe Piaget's theory of child development.


Outline the main endogenous pacemaker and exogenous zeitgeber in the sleep-wake cycle regarding research, and outline one advantage and one disadvantage of this arrangement.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning