How and what do nerves communicate?

Question	Answer
Give the three types of synapse. Why of these is most potent at eliciting a response?	Axodendritic, Axosomatic, Axoaxonic. The most potent is axoaxonic synapses as they directly influence the synapse of the axon.
What is a ligand?	A super specific molecule which elicits a specific physiological response.
Describe the two types of gating mechanisms and give the main points about each of them.	Ionotropic, looks out from the cell and is directly effected by a ligand meaning its fast to react but has a smaller response. Metatropic, uses a second message system to transmit the message from a ligand to inwards facing channel receptors. This means the response is slower but is amplified by the cascade effect.
Give the four groups of transmitter.	Amino acids, Neuropeptides, Monoamides and Other
what are mini end plate potentials?	The spontaneous release of neurotransmitter vesicles without the simulation from the nerve.
What is the role of a synapse?	Amplify signals and allow information processing (gives us access to many nerves)
What is the problem with electrical synapses? Why is this nor a problem in chemical synapses? Do humans use these synapses and if so where?	They allow the charge to leak from the synapse. Animals might use tight junctions as a method of preventing this electrical leak but humans don't use electrical synapses. Chemical synapses still allow leak but due to their all or nothing principles they are unaffected.

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	Created by alexlpeart almost 11 years ago