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Synapses: and Their Functions

The document discusses synapses and neurotransmitters. It explains that axon terminals release neurotransmitters across synaptic gaps which stimulate receptors on receiving neurons. Common neurotransmitters like acetylcholine and dopamine are listed. The stages of synaptic transmission and how drugs can influence neurotransmission are described. The relationship between the mind and brain is discussed, showing how brain changes can alter behavior and vice versa. Neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to change with experience, is also covered in relation to psychology.

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Pratibha Mathivanan
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91 views

Synapses: and Their Functions

The document discusses synapses and neurotransmitters. It explains that axon terminals release neurotransmitters across synaptic gaps which stimulate receptors on receiving neurons. Common neurotransmitters like acetylcholine and dopamine are listed. The stages of synaptic transmission and how drugs can influence neurotransmission are described. The relationship between the mind and brain is discussed, showing how brain changes can alter behavior and vice versa. Neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to change with experience, is also covered in relation to psychology.

Uploaded by

Pratibha Mathivanan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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SYNAPSES

And their functions


Axon Terminal
 At its end, the axon divides into
number of tiny branches that end in
small swelling called ‘synaptic
terminals or terminal buttons’
synapses
 The terminal button do not actually
touch the adjacent neuron.
 There is a slight gap between the
terminal button and the cell body or
the dendrites of the receiving
neuron.
 This junction is called as synapses
and the gap itself is called as
synaptic gap
Neurotransmitters
 When a nerve impulse travels down
the axon and arrives at the terminal
button, it triggers the secretion of the
neurotransmitter.
 Neurotransmitters are basically a
chemical that diffuses across the
synaptic gap and stimulates the next
neuron, thereby transmitting the
impulse from one neuron to the next.
 This neurotransmitter then combines
with specialized receptor molecules in
the receptor region of the receiving cell.
 The effect of neurotransmitter on the
receiving cell is either to increase its
tendency- to fire nerve impulse –
excitation –or to decrease its tendency
– inhibition.
 The excess neurotransmitter is rapidly
deactivated, to make the cell ready for
receiving another message.
Some neurotransmitters
 Acetylcholine – nervous system &
many neuromuscular junctions
 Dopamine – nervous system
 Serotonin – nervous system
 Endorphin – nervous system
 Oxytocin – nervous system
Stages in synaptic
transmission
 Neurotransmitter manufacture
 Storage
 Release
 Diffusion
 Combination with the receptor
 deactivation
Drugs & neurotransmission
 Drugs that affect behavior and
experience - psychoactive drugs –
generally work on the nervous system.
 They either influence the flow of

information across synapses


 Or they have actions like natural

neurotransmitters and thus excite or


inhibit receiving cells.
Eg: LSD, heroin, cocaine, caffeine (a mild
psychological lift)
Mind & body relationship
 When a metal rod blast through our
brain, our thinking and behavior are
affected.
 This says that our brain controls our
mind.
 Musical training in a stringed
instrument seems to alter the brain
space devoted to the fingers of the left
hand. This shows that our behavior can
alter the brain.
Neuroplasticity
 Neuroplasticity also known as brain
plasticity is the term refers to the
brain’s ability to change and adapt
as a result of experience.
 Neuro – refers to neurons and
plasticity refers to the brain’s
malleability .
Neuroplasticity & psychology
 For many decades brain was thought
as non renewable organ that are
bestowed in a definite shape till we die.
 We use medications and chemicals to
change the way our brain works.
 What if we can make permanent
changes to our brain’s structure and
function through simple activities we
do in a normal day.
 This is where the importance of
Neuroplasticity comes in psychology.
 When we learn, we form new
pathways in the brain.
 Each new lesson has the potential to
connect new neurons and change our
brain’s default mode of operation.
 Not all learning does this, but
learning a new language or musical
instrument certainly does.
References
 Introduction to psychology – by
Clifford. t. Morgan, Richard . a. king
 An introduction to theories of
personality – by robert even. B
 Theories of personality – by d. p.
schultz

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