Psychology - Synapses and Neurotransmitters

Electrical signals or impulses sent by Neurons to communicate. These action potentials travel from the dendrites, through the axons of the neuron until they reach the neuron’s axon terminal.

There is a microscopic gap between the axon terminal of the pre-synaptic neuron and the dendrites of the post-synaptic neuron. A microscopic gap between two nerve cells (Neurons) which neurostransmitters pass. This gap is called the synapse.

When the action potential reaches the axon terminal, the signal needs to pass on to the next neuron: Once the action potential reaches the axon terminal, a chemical called neurotransmitters are released into the synapse. The neurotransmitter carries the message from the axon of one neuron (pre-synaptic neuron) to the dendrites of the next neuron (post-synaptic neuron). The neurotransmitters are detected at the receptors located on the dendrites of post-synaptic neuron, and the message is carried on.

Another system essential for body communication Messages are sent via chemicals called hormones that travel around the body via the bloodstream.

chemical messengers produced by endocrine glands that travel through the bloodstream to regulate and control the body’s cells, organs, and functions

located at the base of the brain, next to the hypothalamus. it responds to the information given from the hypothalamus.

located at the base of the brain, next to the pituitary gland (in the cerebrum). monitors the condition of your body to ensure everything is functioning correctly. it is considered the link between the nervous and endocrine systems. It prompts the pituitary gland to increase or decrease hormone levels.

The endocrine gland secretes hormones when there is a sudden change in the body, usually detected by the hypothalamus. The hormones will enter and travel through the bloodstream until they reach their target cell and bind to it. This is usually where the sudden body change occurred.

Each type of hormone has a specific shape and will only fit certain receptor sites on certain cells. This is how they only affect specific target cells. This is called the ‘lock and key model’. Hormone = key Receptor = lock This specific response produces physiological changes within our bodies

Consists of The Endocrine and Nervous System to maintain a stable, internal environment. Homeostasis is maintained by mechanisms called the Feedback Loop.

SRMER Step 1: Stimulus Stimulus is detected. Step 2: Receptor Detects the change and sends information to the modulator (brain/ hypothalamus). Step 3: Modulator Compares the information to predetermined levels to see if a response is needed. Step 4: Effector A cell or tissue carries out the response (hormone secreted). Step 5: Response Overall response from cells/ organs.

Stimulus: Increase in body temperature. Receptor: Skin receptors detect the heat/ increase in body temperature. Modulator: Brain compares the detected temperature to normal body temperature and hormones are released. Effector: Sweat glands are activated. Response: The body cools down and temperature decreases.

A chemical messenger produced by neurons to transmit signals across a synapse to another neuron or target cell

The cell (Neuron) that receives a signal from a preceding neuron, Pre-Synaptic Neuron, across a synapse

the ‘sending’ Neuron in a neural communication pathway, responsible for transmitting a signal to a post-synaptic Neuron across a synapse.

A protein on a cell (Neuron) that binds to a specific neurotransmitters, initiating a response in the cell (Neuron). Located on the dendrites of a neuron.