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Synapse Types and Transmission Mechanism

A synapse is the junction between neurons or a neuron and another cell for nerve impulse transmission. There are various types of synapses categorized by structure (chemical and electrical), function (excitatory and inhibitory), and location (axodendritic, axosomatic, axoaxonic). The process of synaptic transmission involves several steps, including action potential arrival, calcium influx, neurotransmitter release, receptor binding, postsynaptic potential generation, and neurotransmitter inactivation.

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JUSTIN ABRAHAM
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17 views13 pages

Synapse Types and Transmission Mechanism

A synapse is the junction between neurons or a neuron and another cell for nerve impulse transmission. There are various types of synapses categorized by structure (chemical and electrical), function (excitatory and inhibitory), and location (axodendritic, axosomatic, axoaxonic). The process of synaptic transmission involves several steps, including action potential arrival, calcium influx, neurotransmitter release, receptor binding, postsynaptic potential generation, and neurotransmitter inactivation.

Uploaded by

JUSTIN ABRAHAM
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Synapse and Synaptic

Transmission
Definition, Types, and Mechanism
Definition of Synapse
• A synapse is the junction between two
neurons or a neuron and another cell, where
nerve impulses are transmitted.
Types of Synapse (Based on
Structure)
• - Chemical Synapse: Uses neurotransmitters
for transmission.
• - Electrical Synapse: Direct ion flow through
gap junctions.
Types of Synapse (Based on
Function)
• - Excitatory Synapse: Increases the likelihood
of action potential.
• - Inhibitory Synapse: Decreases the likelihood
of action potential.
Types of Synapse (Based on
Location)
• - Axodendritic: Axon to dendrite
• - Axosomatic: Axon to soma
• - Axoaxonic: Axon to axon
Synaptic Transmission: Steps
• 1. Arrival of Action Potential
• 2. Calcium Ion Influx
• 3. Neurotransmitter Release
• 4. Binding to Receptors
• 5. Generation of Postsynaptic Potential
• 6. Neurotransmitter Inactivation
Step 1: Arrival of Action Potential
• • Action potential reaches the presynaptic
terminal, causing depolarization.
Step 2: Calcium Ion Influx
• • Voltage-gated calcium channels open,
allowing Ca²⁺ to enter the presynaptic neuron.
Step 3: Neurotransmitter Release
• • Calcium influx triggers vesicles to release
neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft.
Step 4: Binding to Receptors
• • Neurotransmitters bind to specific receptors
on the postsynaptic membrane.
Step 5: Postsynaptic Potential
Generation
• - Excitatory Synapse: Causes depolarization
(EPSP).
• - Inhibitory Synapse: Causes hyperpolarization
(IPSP).
Step 6: Neurotransmitter
Inactivation
• - Enzymatic breakdown (e.g.,
acetylcholinesterase).
• - Reuptake into the presynaptic neuron.
• - Diffusion away from the synapse.
Conclusion
• Synaptic transmission is a complex yet
essential process in neural communication,
enabling learning, memory, and reflexes.

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