Describe the process of synaptic neurotransmission

Neurotransmission is a mechanism of propagating an electrical signal between neurons via the movement of charged particles. It is initiated when the arrival of an action potential at the axon terminal triggers calcium entry via voltage-gated Ca channels. This causes neurotransmitter-containing vesicles to fuse with the pre-synaptic membrane, and release their contents into the cleft. The neurotransmitter molecules then bind to their respective receptors on the post-synaptic membrane, causing a respective influx of either positively- or negatively-charged ions - through, for instance, ligand-gated Na channels. This causes either a depolarisation or hyperpolarisation of the post-synaptic cell, leading either to an EPSP or IPSP which influences the likelihood of action potential generation.

BH
Answered by Betsy H. Biology tutor

4354 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

The genotypes of 2 guinea pigs, for 2 traits are represented as AABB and aabb. The guinea pigs are mated and the offspring eventually mate with eachother. Of the second generation, what genotypes would be phenotypically different from the originals?


What is Eutrophication?


What is the process of DNA replication?


To what extent do the structures and functions of DNA and RNA differ?


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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning