in the synaptic gap, specific neurotransmitters bind to specific receptor sites on the receiving
Added by Mark J.
Step 1
Step 1: Understand the synaptic gap, which is the small space between the presynaptic neuron (sending neuron) and the postsynaptic neuron (receiving neuron). Show more…
Show all steps
Your feedback will help us improve your experience
Emily Himsel and 92 other Psychology educators are ready to help you.
Ask a new question
Labs
Want to see this concept in action?
Explore this concept interactively to see how it behaves as you change inputs.
Key Concepts
Recommended Videos
The majority of neurotransmitters migrate across the synaptic gap and latch onto receptor sites of the receiving neuron's:
Emily H.
At the synapse, neurotransmitter molecules travel across the synaptic cleft and bind to receptors on the membrane of the other cell.
Adi S.
The Synapse and Neurotransmitters and Their Receptors 1. Complete the following statements referring to chemical synapses by writing the correct terms in the answer blanks. 1. When the nerve impulse reaches the axon terminal, calcium ions enter the terminal through voltage-regulated gates. 2. The effect of the entry of these ions is to promote fusion of synaptic vesicles with the presynaptic membrane. 3. Exocytosis of neurotransmitter molecules follows. 4. These diffuse across the synaptic cleft and bind to receptors on the postsynaptic membrane, causing ion channels to open. 5. The current flows that result cause local changes in the potential of the postsynaptic membrane. 6. The neurotransmitter is inactivated enzymatically or otherwise removed from the synaptic cleft. 7. At excitatory synapses, neurotransmitter binding opens a single type of channel, allowing both sodium and potassium ions to diffuse through the membrane. 8. Because accumulation of positive charges inside the cell is prevented, local depolarization events, instead of hyperpolarization, occur.
Recommended Textbooks
Psychology Openstax
Myers' Psychology for AP
Psychology
Transcript
18,000,000+
Students on Numerade
Trusted by students at 8,000+ universities
Watch the video solution with this free unlock.
EMAIL
PASSWORD