Neural Impulse and Synaptic

Transmission

Objectives
1. To define neural impulse and synaptic transmission
2. To discuss the parts of a neuron and their functions
3. To discuss the events that take place during a
synaptic transmission and list important
neurotransmitters
4. To give examples of diseases that affect neural
impulse and synaptic transmission
5. To summarize the information disseminated during
the discussion

Definition of Terms
Neural Impulse
An electrical signal that travels along an axon. There is an
electrical difference between the inside of the axon and its surroundings,
like a tiny battery.

Synaptic Transmission
The process by which signaling molecules
called neurotransmitters are released by a presynaptic neuron and bind to
and activate the receptors a postsynaptic neuron.

The Neuron
A neuron is an excitable cell that processes and transmits
information through electrical and chemical signals.
The signals between neurons occur via synapses, specialized
connections with other cells.
Neurons are the core components of the brain and spinal cord
of the central nervous system(CNS), and of the ganglia of
the peripheral nervous system(PNS).

Parts of a Neuron
Soma
The body of the neuron. As it contains the nucleus,
most protein synthesis occurs here. The nucleus can range from
3 to 18 micrometers in diameter.
Dendrites
The dendrites of a neuron are cellular extensions with
many branches. This is where the majority of input to the neuron
occurs via the dendritic spine.

Axon
A finer, cable-like projection that can extend tens,
hundreds, or even tens of thousands of times the diameter of the
soma in length. The axon carries nerve signals away from the
soma.
Axon Hillock
The part of the axon where it emerges from the soma.
Besides being an anatomical structure, the axon hillock is also
the part of the neuron that has the greatest density of voltagedependent sodium channels. This makes it the most easily
excited part of the neuron.

Myelin Sheath
A dielectric (electrically insulating) material that forms a
layer, the myelin sheath, usually around only the axon of
a neuron. It is essential for the proper functioning of the nervous
system. It is an outgrowth of a type of glial cell.
Schwann cells supply the myelin for the peripheral nervous
system, whereas oligodendrocytes, myelinate the axons of
the central nervous system.
The myelin sheath in peripheral nerves normally runs along
the axon in sections about 1 mm long, punctuated by
unsheathed nodes of Ranvier, which contain a high density of
voltage-gated ion channels.

Axon Terminal or Terminal Boutons

Enlarged, often club-shaped endings by which axons make
contact with other nerve cells or with effector cells (muscle or
gland cells).
They contain synapses, specialized structures
where neurotransmitters are released to communicate with target
neurons. Axon terminals contain various kinds of
neurotransmitters, sometimes more than one.

Stages of Synaptic Transmission

1. Synthesis of the neurotransmitter. This can take place in the soma, in the axon, or in
the axon terminal.
2. Storage of the neurotransmitter in storage granules or vesicles in the axon terminal.
3. Calcium enters the axon terminal during an action potential, causing release of the
neurotransmitter into the synaptic cleft.
4. After its release, the transmitter binds to and activates a receptor in the postsynaptic
membrane.
5. Deactivation of the neurotransmitter. The neurotransmitter is either destroyed
enzymatically, or taken back into the terminal from which it came, where it can be reused, or
degraded and removed.

Types of Transmission
Axodendritic
Axosomatic
Axoaxonic

Important Neurotransmitters
Neurotransmitter

Behavioral Effect

Acetyl Choline

Arousal and cognitive enhancement

Beta-Endorphin

Reduction of anxiety and tension

Dopamine

Pleasure and appetite suppression

Gamma-Amino-Butyric Acid(GABA)

Reduction of anxiety and tension

Glutamate

Learning and memory enhancement

Norepinephrine

Arousal and appetite suppression

Serotonin

Mood modulation and appetite suppression

Clinical Correlation
Schizophrenia
Impairment of dopamine-containing neurons in the brain is
implicated in schizophrenia , a mental disease marked by
disturbances in thinking and emotional reactions. Medications
that block dopamine receptors in the brain, such
as chlorpromazine and clozapine , have been used to alleviate
the symptoms and help patients return to a normal social setting.

Depression
In depression, there appears to be abnormal excess or
inhibition of signals that control mood, thoughts, pain, and other
sensations. Depression is treated with antidepressants that affect
norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain.
Alzheimer's Disease
Characterized by memory loss and the eventual inability for
self-care. The disease seems to be caused by a loss of cells that
secrete acetylcholine in the basal forebrain (region of brain that is
the control center for sensory and associative information
processing and motor activities). Some medications to alleviate
the symptoms have been developed, but presently there is no
known treatment for the disease.

Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder

People affected by attention-deficit/hyperactivity
disorder(ADHD) experience difficulties in the areas of attention,
overactivity, impulse control, and distractibility. Research shows
that dopamine and norepinephrine imbalances are strongly
implicated in causing ADHD.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

People with generalized anxiety disorder(GAD) experience
excessive worry that causes problems at work and in the
maintenance of daily responsibilities. Evidence suggests that
GAD involves several neurotransmitter systems in the brain,
including norepinephrine and serotonin.

Summary
Neurons are excitable cells that process and transmit information through
electrical and chemical signals.
A neural impulse is an electrical signal that travels along the axon of a
neuron.

A synaptic transmission is the process by which signaling molecules

called neurotransmitters are released by a presynaptic neuron and bind to
and activate the receptors a postsynaptic neuron.

 Neurotransmitters are released from synaptic vesicles in synapses into

the synaptic cleft, where they are received by receptors on other
synapses.

Some of the most important neurotransmitters are ACh, B-Endorphin,

Dopamine, GABA, Glutamate, Norepinephrine and Serotonin. They have
different behavioral effects on humans.
Some diseases are associated with impairment and/or abnormal amounts
of the above neurotransmitters.

Thank You!