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Synaptic Transmission

psychology biopsychology

The transmission of chemical messages (neuro transmitters) across the gap of two synapses.

This enables neurons to send each other signals.

Synapse Diagram.gif

Excitatory Neurotransmitters

i.e., adrenaline Nicknamed the system’s ‘on switches’

Inhibitory Neurotransmitters

i.e., serotonin Nicknamed the system’s ‘off switches’

  • Cause inhabitation of the post-synaptic neuron by increasing its negative charge
    • Making it less likely to fire
  • Responsible for calming the mind and body, filtering out excitatory signals

Summation

S(n)=E(n)+I(n)S(n) = E(n) + I(n)

n = neuron S = Summation E = Excitatory neurons I = Inhibitory neurons

  • Calculation to determine the likelihood of a cell firing.