CHAPTER 2

SYNAPSES

LEARNING JOURNAL

Annieska M. Alde
Psychology 4B
Learned about synapses…
Hi! I just came up with the
question what function do
synapses perform?

The area between a presynaptic

and postsynaptic neuron is
known as a synapse. From one
neuron to another, messages are
transferred here via both
chemical and electrical signals.
Synapses are necessary for the
operation of neurons. They act as
a channel for neural transmission.
Talking about synapses discoveries…
How the particular synaptic connection happens throughout our brain
development because connectivity in neural circuits is essential to brain
function. This path toward synaptic specificity involves cell migration, axon and
dendrite development and control, layer construction, and synapse formation.
For it to work, it needs several synaptic partners. Synapse removal is necessary
because it allows for neural connection, which is necessary for all action.

This synaptic selectivity occurs both at the subcellular and cellular levels of the
organization. As a result, the signal pathway that takes place in both cellular
and subcellular levels goes through both inhibitory and positive cues. The
positive cues enable the recognition of chaining membranes and partner cells,
but they can also inadvertently miscommunicate the recognition to
unintended cells. The non-target cells are the site of the inhibitory cues, which
are crucial regulators of synapse specificity.
 Summations.
When several subthreshold EPSPs
from the same neuron happen
quickly enough to combine and set
off an action potential at the axon
hillock, this is known as temporal
summation. An average post-
synaptic potential lasts for 4
milliseconds. Action potentials are
only present for two milliseconds.

When a significant amount of

neurotransmitter is produced, an
action potential in a spinal cord
(postsynaptic) neuron is engaged.
This is known as spatial summation.
Increasingly more primary afferent
(presynaptic) neurons are activated
concurrently.
Inhibitory synapses.
Well, our spinal cord's ability to control the flow of sensory information is greatly
influenced by synaptic inhibition. This comprises a variety of different receptor subtypes
in addition to two different transmitters. Both the shaft and the spines include dendritic
inhibitory synapses, albeit inhibitory spine synapses are more frequently seen on distal
dendrites. The volley of chemical messages restrains or inhibits, other neurons, making
them less likely to fire messages of their own. ☺☺☺ *End.