Bookmarks
Concepts
Activity
Courses
Learning Plans
Courses
Requests
Log In
Sign up
Menu
About
Guest User
Sign in to save progress
Sign In
Sign up
Menu
⚙️
→
About
Guest User
Sign in to save progress
Sign In
Sign up
🏠
Bookmarks
🔍
Concepts
📚
Activity
Learning Plans
Courses
Requests
Log In
Sign up
×
CUSTOMIZE YOUR LEARNING
→
TIME COMMITMENT
10 sec
2 min
5 min
15 min
1 hr
3 hours
8 hours
1k hrs
YOUR LEVEL
beginner
some_idea
confident
expert
LET'S Start Learning
Menu
About
Guest User
Sign in to save progress
Sign In
Sign up
Menu
⚙️
→
About
Guest User
Sign in to save progress
Sign In
Sign up
🏠
Bookmarks
🔍
Concepts
📚
Activity
Learning Plans
Courses
Requests
Log In
Sign up
×
CUSTOMIZE YOUR LEARNING
→
TIME COMMITMENT
10 sec
2 min
5 min
15 min
1 hr
3 hours
8 hours
1k hrs
YOUR LEVEL
beginner
some_idea
confident
expert
LET'S Start Learning
New Course
Concept
Synaptic Space
Synaptic space
, also known as the
synaptic cleft
, is the
microscopic gap
between the presynaptic and
postsynaptic neurons
where neurotransmission occurs. This space is crucial for the propagation of
nerve impulses
, as it allows for the release and
diffusion of neurotransmitters
that facilitate
communication between neurons
.
Generate Assignment Link
Lessons
Concepts
Suggested Topics
Foundational Courses
Learning Plans
All
Followed
Recommended
Assigned
Concept
Neurotransmission
Neurotransmission is the process by which
signaling molecules
called neurotransmitters are released by a neuron to transmit signals to a
target cell
across a synapse. This intricate
communication system
is essential for various
brain functions
, including
mood regulation
, cognition, and
motor control
.
Concept
Presynaptic Neuron
A
presynaptic neuron
is the neuron that sends a signal to a
neighboring neuron
at a synapse by releasing neurotransmitters from its
axon terminal
. It plays a crucial role in
neural communication
by initiating
synaptic transmission
, which influences the activity of the
postsynaptic neuron
.
Concept
Postsynaptic Neuron
A
postsynaptic neuron
is the neuron on the receiving end of a
synaptic transmission
, where neurotransmitters bind to receptors on its membrane to initiate a response. This process is crucial for
neural communication
, playing a fundamental role in learning, memory, and overall
brain function
.
Concept
Neurotransmitters
Neurotransmitters are
chemical messengers
that
transmit signals
across synapses from one neuron to another, playing a crucial role in shaping
everyday life
and functions by influencing mood, sleep, and
cognitive abilities
. They are essential for proper
brain function
and are involved in a wide range of
physiological processes
and
mental health conditions
.
Concept
Synaptic Cleft
The
synaptic cleft
is the
microscopic gap
between neurons at a synapse, where neurotransmitters are released to
transmit signals
from one neuron to another. This space plays a crucial role in
neural communication
, influencing the speed and
efficiency of signal transmission
within the
nervous system
.
Concept
Synaptic Vesicles
Synaptic vesicles
are small
membrane-bound structures
within
nerve terminals
that store neurotransmitters and release them into the
synaptic cleft
during
synaptic transmission
. This process is crucial for the
propagation of nerve impulses
across synapses, facilitating
communication between neurons
and other
target cells
.
Concept
Receptor Binding
Receptor binding
is a crucial step in
cellular communication
where molecules such as hormones, neurotransmitters, or drugs interact with
specific receptors
on the
cell surface
, initiating a cascade of
intracellular events
. This interaction is highly specific and often involves
conformational changes
in the receptor that trigger
signal transduction pathways
, influencing
cellular responses
and
physiological processes
.
Concept
Action Potential
An
action potential
is a rapid,
temporary change
in the
electrical membrane potential
of a neuron or
muscle cell
, allowing it to
transmit signals
over
long distances
. This process involves the
sequential opening
and
closing of voltage-gated ion channels
, resulting in depolarization and repolarization of the
cell membrane
.
Concept
Synaptic Plasticity
Synaptic plasticity
is the
ability of synapses
, the
connections between neurons
, to
strengthen or weaken
over time in
response to increases or decreases
in their activity. This process is
fundamental to learning
and memory, as it allows the brain to
adapt to new information
and experiences by altering
neural circuits
.
Concept
Chemical synapse
A
chemical synapse
is a
specialized junction
through which
neurons signal
to each other and to
non-neuronal cells
such as those in muscles or glands, utilizing neurotransmitters to
transmit signals
across the
synaptic cleft
. This process is fundamental for the
functioning of the nervous system
, enabling
complex behaviors
and
responses to environmental stimuli
.
Concept
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
(SSRIs) are a
class of drugs
commonly used to
treat depression
and anxiety disorders by
increasing serotonin levels
in the brain. They work by
blocking the
reabsorption of serotonin
into neurons, making
more serotonin available
in the
synaptic space
to enhance
mood regulation
.
3