KIVO Med
Neuroneuronal synapses in the central nervous system
Organization, electrical and chemical transmission, EPSP/IPSP integration, receptors, and clinical applications of neuron-to-neuron synapses.
- 40 explained questions
- 36 flashcards
- 176 estimated course minutes
Updated
What you will learn
- Describe synaptic communication and functional and morphological classification criteria.
- Explain presynaptic and postsynaptic mechanisms and neurotransmitter removal.
- Interpret EPSPs, IPSPs, and their summation during synaptic integration.
- Distinguish ionotropic and metabotropic receptors and relate major neurotransmitters to their receptors.
- Relate synaptic abnormalities to Alzheimer disease, psychotropic drugs, and plasticity.
Course outline
Map of neuroneuronal synapses
An overview places neuron-to-neuron synapses and the two mechanisms that let the central nervous system transmit information.
10 min
Classifying synapses and establishing a neurotransmitter
Functional, morphological, and electrophysiological criteria distinguish synapses, while three main tests identify their transmitter.
18 min
Presynaptic mechanisms and quantal release
The presynaptic terminal adapts its machinery to the transmitter, uses calcium, and releases vesicle contents in quanta.
16 min
Postsynaptic responses and transmitter removal
Neurotransmitters produce excitatory or inhibitory responses and are rapidly inactivated through several complementary pathways.
14 min
EPSP: experiment and properties
Eccles' experiment shows how stimulation of Ia fibers produces a graded excitatory postsynaptic potential in the motor neuron.
18 min
IPSP, inhibition, and reversal potential
The Ia–interneuron–antagonist motor-neuron circuit reveals the IPSP, its graded properties, and inhibition by current shunting.
16 min
Synaptic integration and summation
The neuron adds EPSPs and IPSPs across space and time from thousands of synapses to decide whether to fire an action potential.
17 min
Action-potential initiation
The axon initial segment, rich in voltage-gated channels, converts synaptic integration into a regenerative action potential.
9 min
Postsynaptic receptor families
Ionotropic and metabotropic receptors convert neurotransmitter binding into changes in conductance and excitability.
13 min
Major neurotransmitters and receptors
CNS transmitters fall into small molecules and neuropeptides, each with characteristic precursors and receptor families.
18 min
Clinical applications in the central nervous system
Abnormal monoaminergic and cholinergic transmission shows how the synapse becomes a disease site and a treatment target.
12 min
Plasticity and synthesis of synaptic transmission
Plasticity changes synaptic efficacy over the long term, while the synthesis links channels, quanta, receptors, and integration.
15 min
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