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

2635 Views

See similar Psychology A Level tutors

Related Psychology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Give one advantage and one disadvantage of laboratory experiments.


Outline a weakness of the behaviorist approach in Psychology


When I'm in the exam, how can I answer a question accurately in a short space of time?


Explain what is meant by locus of control (4 marks)


We're here to help

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

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences